Gunman opens fire during school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis; community in mourning
Tragedy Strikes on Second Day of School
A devastating shooting occurred on Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, leaving two young children dead, 17 others injured, and the shooter dead by suicide, authorities confirmed.
The attack took place during an all-school morning Mass, just two days into the new school year. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, was in his early 20s.
What Happened: A Timeline of the Incident
According to local officials and the U.S. Justice Department:
- The shooting began around 8:15 a.m., during a scheduled Mass at the school.
- Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed at the scene.
- Seventeen individuals, including staff and students, were injured—some critically.
- The shooter died by self-inflicted gunshot, before police could apprehend him.
- Emergency services, including local police, FBI, and federal agents, quickly responded and evacuated the school.
Shooter Identified as Robin Westman
- The gunman was identified as Robin Westman, a local resident in his early 20s.
- Authorities stated he had no extensive criminal record.
- Motive for the attack remains under investigation.
Victims Were Attending Morning Mass
At the time of the shooting, students and staff were gathered for a routine morning Mass—a long-standing tradition at the private Catholic school.
Annunciation Catholic School, connected to Annunciation Catholic Church, serves approximately 395 students from pre-K through 8th grade. The school was founded in 1923 and is located in a residential neighborhood in southeast Minneapolis.
Governor and National Leaders Respond
Governor Tim Walz
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed deep sorrow on social media:
“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”
President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting via Truth Social, saying:
“I’ve been briefed on the tragic shooting at the Minneapolis Catholic school. Our hearts go out to the victims, and the White House will continue to monitor the situation.”
A City Already Reeling from Violence
This school shooting is part of a disturbing 24-hour wave of gun violence in Minneapolis:
- Tuesday afternoon: 1 person killed, 6 injured in a shooting outside a public high school
- Later that night: Two separate shootings claimed 2 more lives
City officials are urging calm and pledging a full investigation into this and related incidents.
Students’ Joy Turned to Horror
Just two days before the shooting, the school shared images on social media showing smiling students in green uniforms arriving on the first day, greeting each other and riding bikes.
By Wednesday morning, those same halls were filled with panic, sirens, and emergency responders.
Ongoing Investigation and Support Efforts
Local law enforcement, in collaboration with the FBI, is leading the investigation. Meanwhile, trauma counselors have been dispatched to support students, staff, and families.
Officials say the school will remain closed until further notice, and security at surrounding schools has been increased.
The Minneapolis school shooting is yet another reminder of the growing concerns around school safety and gun violence in the United States. As the community mourns the tragic loss of two innocent children, attention turns toward healing, prevention, and accountability.
