Two children were killed and 17 others were injured on Wednesday when a gunman opened fire during a morning Mass at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, sending shockwaves across the city and drawing a massive emergency response from local, state and federal authorities. The shooting took place at Annunciation Catholic School in the Windom neighborhood at around 8:30 a.m., as students, teachers and staff gathered in the school’s church to mark the start of the academic year.
Police identified the attacker as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after the assault. Authorities said no officers fired their weapons during the incident. According to investigators, Westman fired dozens of rounds from outside the church using multiple firearms, including a rifle, shotgun and handgun. Witnesses inside the church described a sudden barrage of gunfire shattering stained-glass windows as congregants sought cover under pews and behind furniture. Police said the attack lasted less than five minutes.
The victims included two students, an 8-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, who were pronounced dead at the scene. Fourteen other children and three adults sustained injuries. Several children underwent emergency surgery at Hennepin Healthcare and Children’s Minnesota hospitals, where medical staff confirmed that two remained in critical condition late Wednesday. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said officers arrived within minutes of the first 911 calls, secured the perimeter and initiated evacuation procedures. He described the shooting as an unprecedented attack on schoolchildren gathered for a religious service.
Minneapolis school shooting leaves community in shock
The Minneapolis Fire Department and paramedics also responded, providing immediate triage and transport for the wounded. Mayor Jacob Frey said the city’s emergency operations center was activated to coordinate the response and assist families. A reunification site was set up at a nearby community hall where counselors, social workers and crisis teams met with parents and children. Officials confirmed that all students and staff were accounted for by late morning.
Authorities reported that Westman had no significant criminal history. They confirmed that his mother had previously been employed at Annunciation Catholic School but declined to provide additional details. Police said the suspect brought multiple firearms and a large quantity of ammunition to the scene. Federal agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined the investigation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting and pledged state resources to support victims and their families.
Evidence collection and forensic work underway at church
President Donald Trump, who was briefed early Wednesday, ordered flags at the White House and all federal buildings to be flown at half-staff through August 31 in honor of the victims. The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis extended condolences and said the school will remain closed for the rest of the week while support services are provided to the community. The shooting came less than 24 hours after a separate fatal incident near Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in South Minneapolis, though police said the two cases are not connected.
Officials emphasized that additional patrols have been deployed around schools and places of worship across the city as a precaution, with visible police presence expected to remain in place through the week. Investigators continued to process the scene at Annunciation Catholic School through Wednesday evening, securing the perimeter while documenting damage inside the sanctuary. Authorities said evidence collection and forensic work would take several days to complete, and updates will be provided at scheduled press briefings by Minneapolis police and federal officials. – By Content Syndication Services.