Minneapolis Church Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead, 18 Injured During School Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church
Authorities are releasing new details following the tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where a gunman opened fire during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring 18 others before dying by suicide inside the church.
Parents await news of their children's status after shooting at Annunciation Church on Wednesday morning, Aug. 27, 2025 in Minneapolis.
Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images
Timeline of the Shooting
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said calls reporting gunfire came in at 8:27 a.m. Wednesday. A police officer arrived within four minutes and was directed toward the shooter’s location by a parishioner. The shooter began firing as the Mass started, using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Investigators recovered 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and a malfunctioned handgun round stuck in the chamber.
Victims Identified
An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were killed while seated in the pews. Eighteen others, including 15 children between ages 6 and 15, were injured. Three elderly parishioners in their 80s were also wounded. One additional child, initially unaccounted for, was later confirmed injured after being transported privately to a hospital.
Hennepin County Medical Center reported treating 10 patients, with one adult and five children in critical condition. Children’s Minnesota said six patients had been discharged while one child remained under care. M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital confirmed one pediatric patient in stable condition. Officials said all injured children are expected to survive.
Shooter Identified as Robin Westman
Law enforcement sources identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman from suburban Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed Westman acted alone and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police stated the firearms—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—were purchased legally. Westman had no known criminal record. Investigators believe he surveilled the church weeks prior to the attack. Search warrants at three residences uncovered additional firearms and electronic devices now under review.
Motive Under Investigation
Police said Westman had an obsession with past shootings and sought notoriety. Investigators confirmed he left behind a YouTube video described as a manifesto with disturbing writings, which was removed after the attack. FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Officials also revealed Westman included anti-religious and anti-Catholic statements, expressed antisemitic views, and wrote threats against former President Trump on a firearm magazine.
Community and Political Response
President Trump issued a proclamation ordering flags at federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until August 31 to honor the victims. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed sorrow for students and teachers whose school year began with tragedy. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized the need for action, stating children should be able to attend school and worship without fear of violence.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review evidence and search for further details about Westman’s actions leading up to the attack.
