Mass Shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church/School in Minneapolis

On the morning of August 27, 2025, what should have been a peaceful back-to‑school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis—part of the first week of classes—turned into a nightmare. Just before 8:30 a.m., a gunman, later identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, dressed entirely in black, opened fire from outside the church. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman unleashed dozens of rounds through the coach windows toward unsuspecting children and elderly parishioners gathered inside.

Amid the chaos, two young lives were lost: a child aged eight and another aged ten, both killed where they sat in the pews. In total, 19 people were wounded—comprising 14 children and three elderly worshipers in their eighties—though remarkably, authorities expect all of the injured to survive.

The community’s response in the chaos was an act of profound heroism: teachers and staff shielded students; older children protected younger ones, diving under pews or covering their friends; first responders rushed in to administer aid immediately.

Shortly after the attack, Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the church’s rear parking area. Authorities confirmed that Westman acted alone, had legally purchased the weapons, and carried no extensive criminal history.

Investigators recovered a disturbing online manifesto and scheduled video posts tied to the attack—material that has since been removed with the FBI’s assistance. The FBI has classified the shooting as both a hate crime targeting Catholics and an act of domestic terrorism, and federal and local agencies are collaborating closely on the ongoing investigation.

The tragedy sparked an outpouring of grief and solidarity. Hundreds gathered at a vigil—attended by Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, clergy, and community members—to honor the fallen and injured. Condolences poured in from across the nation and the world: Pope Leo XIV sent a heartfelt message praying for healing, while President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until Sunday in tribute to the victims.

Mayor Frey urged Minnesotans to go beyond mere “thoughts and prayers,” calling for collective compassion and meaningful action. Governor Walz likewise condemned the violence, emphasizing unity and care for the affected families.

In its wake, this act of violence has spurred calls for gun reform and renewed debates on protecting places of worship and children from such horrors 

Source: KSTP.COM