Minneapolis Church Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead: Suspect Identified as Robin Westman
What was meant to be a peaceful school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis turned into a nightmare on August 27, 2025, when a lone gunman opened fire during the service. The horrifying attack left two young children dead, 17 others injured—14 of them children—and an entire community reeling from grief and shock.
Chaos During a Sacred Service
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter began firing a rifle through the stained-glass windows of the church, aiming directly at children seated in the pews. Witnesses recalled the deafening sound of gunfire tearing through the sanctuary, shattering the peaceful gathering into panic. O’Hara confirmed that multiple weapons were used in the assault, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol.
First responders rushed to the scene within minutes, but the damage had already been done. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Several others remain hospitalized, with two still in critical condition. The City of Minneapolis issued an immediate public alert, urging residents to avoid the area as law enforcement secured the scene.
A Troubled Suspect Revealed
Authorities have since identified the shooter as 20-something Robin Westman, a local resident. Police believe Westman died at the scene. Records show she legally changed her name from Robert in 2020 and had identified as a woman. While she did not have a significant criminal record, investigators uncovered a disturbing online presence. A now-deleted YouTube channel reportedly displayed firearms, white supremacist imagery, anti-religious symbols, and racist slurs.
In addition, officers found a four-page handwritten manifesto outlining years of emotional turmoil, depression, and growing isolation. The writings expressed remorse toward her family, admitting that forgiveness was unlikely. In one passage, she confessed: “I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself.”
Witness Accounts of Terror
Fifth-grader Weston Halse was among those inside when the shooting began. He described ducking under a pew as bullets struck nearby, with gunpowder specks landing on his neck. He said a friend shielded him by lying on top of him—only to be struck by gunfire himself.
Children were later ushered into the gymnasium, where doors were locked to keep the shooter out. When Halse was finally reunited with his mother, he recalled feeling immense relief, though still shaken by the ordeal. Parents outside described the heart-stopping fear of not knowing whether their children had survived.
Carla Maldonado, a mother of two, shared how she and her husband frantically searched for their children in the chaos. They eventually found their 7-year-old daughter outside the church and later learned their 11-year-old son had been hiding in the basement. Overcome with relief and anger, Maldonado noted how heartbreaking it is that schools and churches must even prepare for such tragedies.
National Response
President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy on Truth Social, expressing condolences and calling for prayers for the victims and their families. He confirmed that the FBI had responded quickly and was assisting in the investigation. To honor the victims, he ordered U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff until August 31 across the White House, federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, and diplomatic facilities worldwide.
As the Minneapolis community mourns, the tragedy has reignited national conversations about violence in schools and places of worship, leaving many families to question how such heartbreaking events continue to unfold.
