MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A 23-year-old shooter opened fire through windows at a Catholic church and school during morning Mass on Wednesday, killing two elementary students and wounding 17 others before taking his own life in what authorities are investigating as a domestic terrorism incident.
The attack happened just before 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church and School, where families had gathered for a special Mass celebrating the first week of the new school year. Robin Westman fired multiple shots through church windows before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were pronounced dead at the scene. Among the 17 wounded were 14 children between ages 6 and 15, along with three elderly parishioners in their 80s. All injured victims are expected to recover, hospital officials said.
“Think of that last interaction you had with your child this morning,” Mayor Jacob Frey said during an emotional press conference. “You should be able to do that knowing that you’re going to see them in the evening.”
The FBI has taken over the investigation, treating the attack as both domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Investigators recovered additional firearms from three locations connected to Westman, who had legally purchased the weapons despite having no prior criminal record.
Principal Matthew DeBoer praised the heroic actions of staff and students during the chaos. “Adults were protecting children, older children were protecting younger children,” he said. “Our community showed incredible courage in the darkest moment.”
Westman left behind writings and posted videos online that referenced previous mass shooters, though authorities haven’t determined his specific motive for targeting the Catholic school. The content is being analyzed by federal investigators.
Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff and called the attack “an unspeakable tragedy” where students “were met with evil and horror and death instead of the love and learning they deserved.”
The shooting sent shockwaves through Minneapolis’s tight-knit Catholic community and reignited debates about gun violence in schools. Frey acknowledged that “prayers are welcome” but added that “prayers are not enough” to prevent future tragedies.
Federal agents are continuing to examine Westman’s background and digital footprint as they work to understand what drove him to target children and worshippers at the morning service. The church and school will remain closed indefinitely while the investigation continues.
