The Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School
The shooting occurred on the morning of August 27, 2025, when Robin Westman opened fire through the windows of Annunciation Church, which houses the Catholic school. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the suspect approached the side of the building and fired a rifle, shotgun, and pistol at children and worshipers inside. The attack resulted in the deaths of an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, with 17 others injured.
Police confirmed that Westman acted alone and lawfully purchased the firearms used in the attack, which were acquired recently. Additional weapons linked to the suspect are being recovered from related residences. A smoke bomb was found at the scene, but no explosives were discovered.
Who Was Robert Westman?
Robin Westman, born on June 17, 2002, was identified as the suspect in this tragic shooting. According to a 2020 Minnesota district court document, Westman, originally named Robert, had their name legally changed to reflect their identification as female. Driver’s license information reviewed by ABC News confirms Westman’s identity, and a photo was released to the public.
Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, worked at Annunciation Church until her retirement in 2021. Church records indicate she served as a parish secretary and administrative assistant. Authorities are investigating whether this connection played a role in the targeting of the church.
Westman had no known criminal history, according to police, making the motive behind the shooting unclear. However, law enforcement is examining a series of YouTube videos believed to be associated with Westman, which were posted on the morning of the attack and later removed by the platform.
YouTube Videos and Potential Motives
The YouTube videos under investigation provide a disturbing glimpse into Westman’s mindset. The videos featured handwritten journals with doodles of weapons, expletives, and references to killing, as well as a mix of Cyrillic, English, and other languages expressing grievances and nihilistic views. Some writings referenced other high-profile school shootings and shooters, indicating a possible fixation on such events.
One notable image in the videos was a sticker with an LGBTQIA flag overlaid with a gun, alongside writings critical of Israel. A detailed drawing of the interior layout of Annunciation Church was also found in one of the notebooks, suggesting premeditation. In one video, the suspect expressed personal struggles with depression and apologized to family members.
Authorities are analyzing these materials to piece together a motive, but no definitive answers have been released as of August 28, 2025.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities focused on understanding Westman’s motives and preventing future tragedies. The recovery of additional firearms and the analysis of the YouTube videos are key components of the investigation. The community of Minneapolis, particularly the families and staff at Annunciation Catholic School, are grappling with profound grief and shock.
Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.