Minneapolis Catholic Church Shooting Update

Authorities say three Minneapolis-area residences yielded more firearms tied to the shooter as investigators pursue motive.

Minneapolis Catholic Church Shooting Shocks Community

A gunman opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, killing two children aged 8 and 10 and wounding 17 others as services began for the first week of classes at nearby Annunciation Catholic School. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired through the church windows from outside with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol before dying by suicide at the scene. Police and emergency responders swarmed the area and the church and school were placed on lockdown as investigators gathered clues.

Police say Westman had no prior criminal record and had legally purchased the firearms. Investigators also found writings and videos tied to the attack, including notes with references to past mass shooters and drawings of a church sanctuary. In a sign of growing concern about access to weapons, authorities searched three Minneapolis-area residences linked to Westman and recovered additional guns. Authorities say motive remains undetermined; the FBI has said the attack will be investigated as a domestic terrorism case and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Staff at the school and church described brave actions by adults to shield children, with the principal saying staff moved students under pews within seconds. Westman’s mother had previously sought a name change for him and had ties to the church where the shooting occurred.

The tragedy tests how religious spaces balance openness with protection. It underscores how quickly a service can shift from a moment of worship to a scene of violence, even when the attacker appears to have no prior criminal record. The case also highlights how online material and gun access intersect with real-world violence, complicating investigations and public discourse. As officials pursue motive, communities face a long road of healing and a broader conversation about safety in schools and houses of worship.

Highlights

As investigators seek the motive, communities must balance faith, safety, and the need for transparency.