A gunman opened fire from a window of a Catholic church in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. A large crowd had gathered in a nearby gym, many embracing and shedding tears during vigils attended by Tim Waltz and local clergy.
In a packed gathering on Wednesday night, Archbishop Bernard Hebda recounted the bravery of a student who tried to shield classmates amid the chaos. He described the scene at Holy Angel Academy, located about two miles from where the shooting took place. “There was courage in it, there was courage, but there was especially love,” he noted.
Robin Westman, 23, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, unleashed several rounds during a mass at Annunciation Catholic School, according to police officer Brian O’Hara. The shooter ultimately took their own life, O’Hara revealed.
The deceased children were aged eight and ten. Meanwhile, out of the 17 injured—including 14 other children and three adults at the parish—most are believed to be recovering.
Pastor Dennis Seelen, who was present during the incident with nearly 200 children, described the moments leading up to the shooting. He recalled how someone shouted, “Down, guys down,” just before gunfire rang out.
Fifth grader Weston Halsne told reporters he had crouched down for cover, using a friend as a shield. “I was very scared of him, but now I think he’s fine,” the 10-year-old recounted.
Police Investigate Shooting Motives
FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that the shooting is being treated as a domestic terrorist act and a hate crime aimed at the Catholic community. Westman’s mother, who retired in 2021, had worked at the church for several years, as noted in a church Facebook post.
It remains unclear if Robin Westman regularly attended services or was a student there. O’Hara mentioned that investigators are looking into social media activity linked to the shooter.
Wooden barriers were found hastily erected near the scene, and a smoke bomb was also discovered. Westman had a YouTube channel that posted at least two videos before being deleted; one showcased armed individuals with weapons.
Bob Herlinger, Westman’s uncle, expressed disbelief over the incident, describing it as an “indescribable tragedy.” The police chief stated there’s no known extensive criminal history for Westman, who is believed to have acted alone.
While federal officials identified Westman as transgender, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned any form of hatred directed toward the transgender community, though Westman’s gender identity remains somewhat ambiguous. In 2020, a judge approved a name change for Westman, requested by their mother, to reflect their identity as a woman.
Response to the Shooting
Officers responded quickly to reports of the shooting, entering the church to provide medical assistance and rescue those trapped inside. In a display of bravery, both teachers and children took action during the attack. Principal Matt Deboer remarked, “The kids fell. The adults were protecting the children. The older children were protecting the younger children.”
Vincent Frankial shared that his 11-year-old daughter Chloe survived by hiding and barricading the door with a table. He noted her struggle to articulate her experience amid the trauma, saying, “She thought she was going to die today.”
Governor Waltz expressed sorrow for the children facing “evil, fear, and death” so early in life. Both he and former President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims.
Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram expressing condolences, praying for the families affected. The tragic incident coincided with the first day of school at Annunciation, a century-old institution in a thriving area just south of downtown Minneapolis.
Karin Sebra, a learning specialist at the school, emphasized the caring community atmosphere and noted her connection to the school, having sent her daughters there.
