What started as a peaceful morning Mass for students turned into a nightmare when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire inside Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 17 others. The shocking attack has left the community reeling, as investigators continue to piece together the details and possible motives behind the tragedy.

A Family Connection Emerges

Authorities revealed a chilling detail: the gunman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, once worked at Annunciation Catholic School, the same institution tied to the church where the shooting unfolded. A Facebook post from 2021 recognized Mary Grace for five years of service at the school. She is believed to have retired that same year, though her exact role was never made public. Investigators have not suggested that her employment played a role in her son’s actions, but the connection has added another disturbing layer to an already devastating case.

The Attack

On August 27, 2025, Westman, who had legally changed his name from Robert in 2020, entered the church during a student Mass armed with multiple weapons, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Witnesses said he fired dozens of rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows as terrified children and teachers scrambled for safety. The attack ended when Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the church.

A Look at the Suspect

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that Westman had no prior criminal record and was not on law enforcement’s radar before the attack. That fact has only deepened the shock for neighbors and community members who never imagined something so violent could happen at a school church service. Authorities are now investigating a deleted YouTube account believed to have belonged to Westman. According to early reports, the account contained disturbing videos and what appeared to be a manifesto uploaded shortly before the shooting. Investigators hope the material may provide insight into what drove him to commit such an unthinkable act.

Community in Mourning

The shooting has left the Minneapolis community shattered. Parents, students, teachers, and neighbors have gathered for vigils, leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten notes outside the church in memory of the young victims. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of unity in the face of tragedy.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed his sorrow, saying he was “praying for our kids and teachers” as families grieve and survivors begin the long road of healing. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat, but acknowledged the pain the community is enduring.

Questions Still Unanswered

As investigators work to determine the motive, questions remain about Westman’s mental state, his access to weapons, and the significance of his mother’s past employment at the school. Police stress that it is too early to draw conclusions, but they are combing through evidence, digital records, and interviews to understand what led to this horrific act.

For many, the tragedy is a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of schools and places of worship, spaces that should be safe havens for children and families. While the investigation continues, Minneapolis is left to grieve the lives lost and support those who survived an attack that has shaken the city to its core.