A shockingly brutal attack unfolded yesterday at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis during a Mass packed with children from the Annunciation Catholic School. As a result, tragically, two young lives were lost, with the victims being only 8 and 10 years old. The shooter, then-23-year-old Robin Westman, killed himself shortly after the attack. This horrifying act of violence injured 17 other people, including two in critical condition.
The incident occurred during a Sunday service attended by families and children when Westman entered the church and began firing through the windows with three lawfully purchased weapons: a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. Witnesses recounted the horrific scene as bullets began to hit worshippers gathered within.
Minneapolis Chief of Police Brian O’Hara called the shooting a “deliberate and cowardly act of violence.” He underlined that Westman is not part of any broader conspiracy in this attack. The police continue to investigate the shooting. Now they suspect it’s at least the second act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, just this spring.
Among the wounded were child and elderly attendees alike, including three adults in their 80s. The attack’s immediate aftermath revealed something more disturbing. Several chapel doors had been boarded up from the outside with wooden planks, suggesting an intentional effort to cause deep pain and suffering.
Principal Matthew Dubois of Annunciation Catholic School commended the courage of the teachers. He praised the staff for acting swiftly to ensure the protection of the children. He stated his profound sadness at the tragedy and offered assistance to families affected.
“To any of our students and families and staff watching right now. I love you. You’re so brave and I’m so sorry this happened to us today,” – Matthew Dubois
Witness testimony described a gruesome scene that took place. One survivor recounted hearing bullets strike near her family during the service, describing the terrifying moments of gunfire followed by brief pauses and more shots.
“She was with her family. And had been sitting on the side of the church…And there’d be a brief pause in the gun shots and then pounding on the wall and then (more) gun shots would start again.” – Karin Cebulla
Another observer described the psychological impact of seeing no children come out of the church alive. They lifted up the kids’ relief with parents’ panic—parents who didn’t know if their kids were safe.
“I was thankful to see kids coming out unharmed, safe, but just the looks on some of their faces. I just– the screams coming from the Mums who didn’t know where their kids are…” – Madee Brandt
While detectives are still working to determine what may have led to this horrific incident, they have discovered a manifesto allegedly associated with Westman. This video, intended for upload on YouTube, contained racist manifestos. With the assistance of the FBI, it was taken down within days. The content remains under active review.
O’Hara acknowledged that Westman had no previous criminal history before this tragic event occurred.
The community response has been a profound sense of loss, inter-community respect and solidarity, and healing. U.S. President Donald Trump issued his condolences and called on all Americans to pray with those grieving this senseless act of violence. He urged care to grieving families, reminding all that they are not just numbers but part of our community.
“You cannot put into words the gravity, the tragedy or the absolute pain of this situation…” – Unattributed
Archbishop Bernard Hebda closed with an impassioned message from Pope Leo XIV. He said he was deeply saddened at the loss of life and injuries caused by the shooting. He issued his deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this horrible incident.
“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV was profoundly saddened to learn of the loss of life and injuries following the shooting that took place at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis.” – Archbishop Bernard Hebda
Local representative Ilhan Omar called for a national discussion about gun violence in the wake of this event. She voiced hopes that when investigations are complete and families can start to heal, productive conversations will come to the fore to make sure these tragedies never happen again.
“We know that once this investigation is done, once these families are made whole, then we can have the national conversation that is necessary to stop school shootings like this from taking place in our communities and devastating families all over this country.” – Ilhan Omar
While Minneapolis continues to mourn this unthinkable tragedy, it’s heartening to see its residents lifting each other up amidst this time of grief. Friends and family are organizing candlelight vigils to honor the victims. These meetings will be places of comfort and togetherness at this painful time of great loss.
