The tragic school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis continues to devastate the community as new details emerge—not only about the attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, but also about the silence of his mother, Mary Grace Westman, who has retained a criminal defense lawyer and chosen not to cooperate with investigators. Her decision has fueled debate, speculation, and harsh criticism online, even as families of victims grieve an unimaginable loss.

A Massacre That Shook a Community

On Wednesday, August 27, what began as a peaceful back-to-school Mass turned into a nightmare when Robin, a former pupil of the school, barricaded the doors and opened fire on children and staff. Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed, while 18 others—including 15 children—were injured in the attack. Authorities later found Robin’s body in the back of the church with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The Merkel and Moyski families have spoken publicly about their heartbreak. Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, said, “Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us. We will never again be able to hold him, talk to him, play with him, or watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was becoming.” Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, described their daughter as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old” whose absence has shattered their family.

Silence From the Shooter’s Mother

While families mourn, investigators are struggling to speak with Robin’s mother. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said dozens of interviews have been conducted with friends, relatives, and witnesses, but they have not yet been able to reach Mary Grace. Instead, Mary has retained criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry, who told Fox News that his client is “completely distraught about the situation” but has “no culpability.” He explained that she sought legal representation to handle law enforcement inquiries.

Mary had worked at Annunciation Catholic School for five years as a secretary before retiring in 2021. Her connection to the parish has raised questions, though authorities have not confirmed whether it played any role in Robin’s attack.

Troubling Signs in Robin’s Past

Robin, born Robert Westman, legally changed his name as a teenager in 2019, with Mary supporting the transition. Court documents reveal that she stated her child identified as female and wanted a new name to reflect that. However, personal writings discovered later show Robin expressing regret and frustration about being transgender.

In one journal entry, Robin wrote, “I’m tired of being trans. I wish I never brain-washed myself.” In another, he hinted at his plans: “I will probably chop my hair on the day of the attack.”

Former classmates recalled troubling behavior from Robin’s school years, including disturbing gestures and cryptic messages. One former friend, Josefina Sanchez, remembered him praising Adolf Hitler in class, saying the behavior never left her mind.

A Divided Public Response

Mary’s decision not to cooperate with police has been met with fierce reactions. Some online commenters labeled her silence a “red flag,” while others harshly criticized her parenting. “She raised a real winner, MOTHER OF THE YEAR,” one wrote sarcastically. Others defended her, suggesting she may be grieving the loss of her child while also navigating the horror of his actions.

Investigators are still piecing together Robin’s final days, including where he was living before the attack. They confirmed multiple addresses tied to him but have not determined his most recent residence. Authorities also discovered a disturbing manifesto posted on his YouTube channel, where he apologized to his parents and wrote, “Please do not think you have failed as parents. I was corrupted by this world and have learned to hate what life is.”

As the community holds vigils and memorials for the young victims, anger and sorrow continue to collide with questions about responsibility, warning signs, and the silence of the one person closest to the shooter—his mother.