Investigation Continues into Minneapolis Church Shooting

As the investigation into the recent shooting at a church in Minneapolis unfolds, officials are struggling to reach the suspect’s mother.

“There is a connection between the shooter and this particular parish,” stated Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

Mary Grace Westman is the mother of a 23-year-old man who identified as transgender and opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church during a service. She has retained criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry and reportedly has not been cooperating with investigators.

“We have conducted numerous interviews with family members, friends, and witnesses who were present at the scene,” O’Hara shared during a press conference. “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to make contact with the shooter’s mother yet, but we are actively trying to reach her.”

While efforts to engage with Westman are ongoing, O’Hara mentioned they have been in touch with the shooter’s father.

Notably, Westman has a connection to the parish as a former employee, and her son had previously attended school there.

In 2019, Westman applied for her son’s legal name change.

Reports indicate that FBI agents attempted to reach Westman at her home in East Napoli, Florida, but she did not respond.

As of Friday, at least nine individuals remain hospitalized as a result of the shooting, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two children and left 18 others injured.