Minneapolis, Minnesota – An investigation continues into the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School that occurred on August 27, 2025, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died by suicide following the attack, which took place during a school-wide Mass marking the first week of classes.
Authorities report that Westman, a former student of the school where their mother once worked as a secretary, opened fire through the church windows, targeting children in the pews. The assailant was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, all legally purchased, and was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the church parking lot. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners were injured, with seven students initially listed in critical condition. Local hospitals continue to provide updates on the victims’ recoveries.
A key element of the ongoing investigation is a series of videos Westman posted on YouTube prior to the attack, including what police have described as a manifesto. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the videos, which have since been removed, featured a handwritten four-page document and a journal with writings in English and Cyrillic script. The manifesto included a message of apology to family and friends, expressing deep depression and suicidal thoughts, with Westman stating, “I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right.” The document also requested prayers for the victims.
The videos further displayed an arsenal of weapons adorned with disturbing writings. Messages scrawled on the guns and ammunition included “Kill Donald Trump,” “For the Children,” and “Where is your God,” alongside racial and religious slurs. The weaponry bore the names of notorious mass shooters, such as Adam Lanza and Anders Breivik, indicating a possible fascination with past attacks. A shooting target featuring an image of Jesus and a hand-drawn map of the church were also shown, suggesting premeditation.
FBI Director Kash Patel has classified the incident as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, though the motive remains under review. The manifesto and weapon inscriptions reveal a mix of extremist views, including antisemitic and anti-religious sentiments, as well as references to far-left and far-right ideologies, complicating efforts to pinpoint a single driving force.
The community continues to mourn, with flags lowered to half-staff at the White House following President Donald Trump’s directive. Pope Leo XIV has expressed profound sadness, and local leaders are addressing the emotional toll on the parish. Authorities are still analyzing the manifesto and related materials to provide further clarity as the investigation progresses.