A horrifying school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and Church has left two children dead and at least 17 others wounded, shaking the Twin Cities community and sparking urgent calls for action on extremism and gun violence. Authorities say the assault is being investigated as a hate-driven act of domestic terrorism.
The tragedy unfolded Wednesday morning as students, teachers, and parishioners gathered for a start-of-day Mass in the school’s sanctuary. Shortly after 9 a.m., gunfire erupted from outside the church’s stained-glass windows, sending shards of glass raining down on the congregation.
Police identified the assailant as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of Annunciation. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and handgun, Westman fired dozens of rounds before turning one of the weapons on herself.
Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed instantly. Seventeen others ranging from students to elderly parishioners suffered injuries from gunfire and shattered glass. Survivors described the chaos as they tried to shield children and find safety.
“We heard the glass breaking and the shots kept coming,” said Mary Alvarez, a parent attending Mass. “I grabbed my son and ran. You never imagine something like this could happen in your church.”
Shooter’s Motives Under Scrutiny
Investigators revealed that Westman had posted disturbing online content glorifying mass murderers and laced with anti-religious, antisemitic, and anti-Black rhetoric. Authorities also discovered extremist messages inscribed on her firearms and ammunition magazines.
“This was not a random act,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. “The shooter deliberately targeted a Catholic institution. Based on the evidence collected so far, this attack meets the criteria of both a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism.”
Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the massacre while cautioning against scapegoating vulnerable groups. “This violence is the act of a single extremist,” Frey said. “We cannot allow this tragedy to be twisted into further division or hate.”
Governor Tim Walz expressed grief and called for renewed urgency around gun legislation. “Two children will never go home to their families tonight,” Walz said. “That reality demands more than prayers. It demands action.”
President Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff nationwide in memory of the victims and pledged federal support for the investigation. Lawmakers across the political spectrum have urged solidarity with the Minneapolis Catholic community.
As news of the shooting spread, vigils quickly formed outside Annunciation Catholic School. Parents, neighbors, and faith leaders gathered to light candles, sing hymns, and lay flowers for the victims.
“This parish has been a beacon of faith and education for generations,” said Father Michael O’Connell, pastor of Annunciation. “We will not let this act of hate destroy our spirit.”
Counselors are being made available to students and families, and the school will remain closed until further notice.
A Broader Debate on Extremism and Gun Violence
The massacre has reignited national debate about the intersection of extremism, mental health, and America’s persistent gun violence crisis.
Experts note that the shooter’s writings echoed a disturbing trend of radicalized individuals glorifying mass killings. “We are seeing more attackers citing previous shooters as role models,” said Dr. Carolyn Murray, a criminologist at the University of Minnesota. “This creates a copycat effect that law enforcement is struggling to contain.”
Gun safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter firearm regulations, particularly concerning access to high-powered rifles and online radicalization. Opponents argue that the focus should remain on mental health and community security measures.
For Minneapolis, the focus remains on grieving and healing. Vigils are planned across the city this week, and churches of multiple denominations have pledged solidarity with the Annunciation parish.
“This community will not be defined by the hate that walked through its doors,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. “We will be defined by the love we show in the days ahead.”
Authorities say their investigation into Westman’s background, online activity, and possible links to extremist groups is ongoing.
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