MINNEAPOLIS — In a tragic escalation of violence that has shaken the nation, new disturbing details have emerged about the suspect in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, where two children were killed and 17 others injured during a morning Mass. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman—formerly known as Robert Paul Westman—died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities confirmed.
Investigators are now uncovering shocking revelations that paint a darker picture of what really happened and why, including a manifesto posted online that references other mass shootings, antisemitic writings, and explicit threats against political figures. Westman, who legally changed their name in 2020 after identifying as female, had ties to the school: court records show the name change was approved in Dakota County, Minnesota, with the application stating the minor “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”
Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, previously worked at the school as a parish secretary until her retirement in 2021, according to church records and social media posts.Sources indicate Westman may have attended the school for at least one year and had visited recently while teachers prepared for the new academic year.
The attack unfolded just before 8 a.m. on August 27, 2025, during the first week of classes at the K-8 Catholic institution. Dressed in all black and armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all legally purchased recently—Westman approached the church from outside and fired through the windows at worshippers, including children in the pews.Police recovered additional firearms from residences linked to the suspect, and a smoke bomb was found at the scene, though no explosives were discovered.
The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, with FBI Director Kash Patel confirming the classification.Hours before the shooting, Westman allegedly posted videos on YouTube—since removed—depicting a handwritten manifesto, sketches of the church, and an arsenal of weapons inscribed with messages like “Kill Donald Trump,” racial slurs, references to the Holocaust, and calls for Israel to “fall” and “burn.”
The journal, partially written in Cyrillic characters, included months of planning notes, doodles of weapons, and expressions of obsession with mass shootings dating back to seventh grade.One entry reportedly detailed scouting the school for entrances, exits, and armed guards, with a focus on targeting large groups of children during recess or events.
The manifesto also paid homage to perpetrators of infamous attacks, such as those at Sandy Hook Elementary, the Tree of Life Synagogue, and the Christchurch mosques.Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the act as “sheer cruelty and cowardice,” emphasizing it was a “deliberate act of violence against innocent children.”
The two fatalities were an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, with the injured—including several in critical condition—receiving treatment at local hospitals like Children’s Minnesota.Vigils were held across the Twin Cities on Wednesday night, drawing hundreds to mourn the victims and call for action against gun violence.
The shooting has ignited intense political discourse, particularly around transgender issues and mental health. Fox News host Jesse Watters, in a segment addressing the incident, stated: “The left WEAPONIZES trans kids, turning them into culture warriors, and they have been turned loose against the Church, schools, and Trump. You see it, I see it.”Watters further claimed that “statistically, the trans population has been prone to violence,” urging politicians to stop “elevating the trans issue as if it’s the Civil Rights struggle of the 21st century.”
His comments have sparked backlash from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue they fuel stigmatization amid a rise in anti-trans rhetoric. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed back against politicizing the tragedy, saying, “Don’t just say this is about ‘thoughts and prayers’ right now. These kids were literally praying.”
Governor Tim Walz echoed calls for unity, noting the incident follows other acts of violence in the state and expressing hope for cross-aisle dialogue on prevention.President Donald Trump ordered flags at the White House flown at half-mast in respect for the victims.
Former classmates and family members have expressed shock. One ex-classmate described Westman as having few friends and “odd obsessions” in grade school.Westman’s uncle, former Kentucky lawmaker Bob Heleringer, told reporters, “It’s an unspeakable tragedy. We’re praying for my sister and her other children and also, obviously, for these poor, poor children.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together Westman’s motive, with no prior extensive criminal history noted.Community leaders, including Bishop Jeffrey Walsh of the Diocese of Gaylord, have called for prayers and solidarity with the affected families.
The incident adds to a grim tally of school shootings in the U.S., prompting renewed debates on gun control, mental health support, and hate crime prevention.
