What began as a morning mass for schoolchildren ended in horror when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 17 others.

The police have revealed a chilling connection: the shooter’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, was a former employee of the school he targeted.

Mother’s Ties to Annunciation School

Mary Grace Westman was recognized for five years of service at Annunciation Catholic School in a 2021 Facebook post from the church. She is believed to have retired that same year, though her exact role at the school has not been specified. Police have not suggested that her employment was connected to her son’s motive, which remains unclear.
Mary Grace Westman (Source: Facebook)
Robin Westman, who legally changed his name from Robert in 2020, arrived at the church armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. He fired dozens of rounds through the stained-glass windows during a morning mass attended by students from the adjoining K–8 school. He died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Gunman Robin Westman

Police: No Prior Criminal Record

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Westman had no known criminal history and was not previously on law enforcement’s radar. Authorities are continuing to investigate a now-deleted YouTube account believed to belong to Westman, which reportedly contained disturbing videos and a manifesto uploaded shortly before the attack.

The tragedy has left the community shaken, with leaders calling for unity and mourning the loss of young lives. Governor Tim Walz said he was “praying for our kids and teachers,” while Mayor Jacob Frey confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public