A recently released 911 transcript sheds light on the panic and chaos experienced by students, staff, and clergy inside a Minneapolis church during a shooting in August. The transcript, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, captures teachers whispering to one another and urging students to take cover in Annunciation Catholic Church as passersby described the unfolding scene. The actions of educators and staff, who worked to keep their students quiet and evacuated from classrooms, emerge as heroic amidst the turmoil.
“Dear God in Heaven, there are some guns in the Announcement Church!” Karen McCann, a parishioner hiding in the sanctuary, exclaimed to the dispatcher. She described the situation as unfolding rapidly, saying, “We’re all squatting under the pew… it’s a lot of people out there. He might come back to church.” The dispatcher reassured her, responding, “You have so many responders on the way.”
The tragic shooting, which occurred on August 27, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 18 others. The gunman, identified as Robin Westman, reportedly took his own life with his weapon. A police crime report categorized the incident as having an “unbiased” motive, meaning it does not qualify as a hate crime under state guidelines.
The first call to 911 came from individuals outside the church who witnessed the gunfire at around 8:27 a.m., just as students were preparing for prayer. An unidentified caller urgently reported, “There are gunshots!”
Witnesses described seeing a man wearing black goggles and complete camouflage gear, who appeared to be shooting at the church. Inside, fear quickly consumed those gathered. “We need medical assistance as soon as possible. Several people were shot,” an unknown female caller, possibly a staff member, communicated.
Father Dennis Seelen confirmed that children were inside the church while the assailant was active nearby. The chaos inside the church was palpable; teacher Becca Hare spoke of injuries and the struggle to keep students calm as people ran from the chaos.
As the situation escalated, Hare communicated with students and staff, emphasizing the need to stay low and calm. She confirmed seeing injuries, juggling the imperative to protect students while also needing to call for help. “If I get injured and can I walk, can I walk?” she asked as she sought to coordinate an evacuation.
Outside, drivers and passersby felt the impact of the shooting, with one driver, Timothy Burns, recounting the panic as bullets struck his car. “We saw the man start shooting… the car was hit by a bullet,” he noted.
While several documents related to the incident have been disclosed, the shooter’s name was omitted in initial records due to Minnesota laws. However, police did identify him at a press conference following the tragic event, where the toll included the deaths of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moysky, with many others wounded, including Sophia Forsus, who is now reportedly recovering from a gunshot wound to the head.
