What began as a back-to-school mass turned into a chilling scene of carnage Wednesday morning when a gunman opened fire on children sitting in the pews of a Minneapolis Catholic church. Two students were killed and at least 17 others injured in what officials called a rare and devastating school-related shooting in Minnesota.

Shooter Identified as Robin Westman

Authorities have identified the shooter as Robin Westman, 23, a Richfield native who legally changed his name from Robert in 2020 at age 17. His mother was reportedly an employee at Annunciation Catholic School before retiring in 2021.

Massacre During Morning Mass

The attack unfolded just after 8:30 a.m., as children gathered for a mass at Annunciation Catholic Church on West 54th Street. Witnesses said the shooter opened fire through the stained glass windows from outside the church, targeting students from the adjoining K–8 school during their first week back in session.

“He shot 50 to 100 times… and killed two kids,” one heartbroken parent told the Star Tribune. “This is evil.”

Confirmed Casualties and Victims

Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed. At least 17 others were injured, 14 children and three adults, according to Minneapolis Police.

Hennepin Healthcare, the city’s main trauma hospital, reported it had received 10 patients, including eight children aged 6 to 14 and two adults. Seven remain in critical condition.

Shooter’s Online Manifesto and Disturbing Posts

Investigators are reviewing a now-deleted YouTube account believed to belong to Westman. A 20-minute video described as a “manifesto” was uploaded shortly before the shooting. In the clip, a drawing of a church is repeatedly stabbed while a voice mutters, “I’m going to kill myself.”

Other videos on the account showed gun parts, ammunition magazines, and phrases such as “for the children” and “where is you[r] God?” scrawled across them, alongside names of past mass shooters.

Chaos and Reunification

Local police, SWAT, FBI, state troopers, and ATF agents swarmed the scene within minutes. A reunification zone was established nearby to help frantic parents reconnect with surviving students.


Founded in 1923, Annunciation Catholic School serves roughly 391 students from Pre-K through 8th grade. School had just resumed classes on Monday.

Leaders React as Motive Remains Unclear

Authorities say Westman had no extensive criminal record, and while they are still investigating his motive, early evidence points to premeditation.

President Donald Trump and Governor Tim Walz have been briefed, with Walz saying: “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

Mayor Jacob Frey said his office is in touch with Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara and confirmed: “The shooter has been contained. There is no active threat to the community.”