In a horrifying act of violence that has shaken the community of Minneapolis, a shooter opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School during a morning Mass on August 27, 2025, killing two young children and injuring 17 others. The incident, which unfolded during the first week of classes, has been labeled by authorities as a potential hate crime targeting Catholics and is under investigation as domestic terrorism.
The Shooting: What Happened
The attack began around 9:00 AM local time when the shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, approached the side of the church connected to the school and fired through the windows into the pews where children and adults were gathered for Mass. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos as bullets struck congregants, with children as young as eight hiding under pews or being shielded by friends and family. First responders arrived swiftly, providing aid and evacuating the building.
- Victims: Two children, aged 8 and 10, were fatally wounded. Among the 17 injured, 14 were children and 3 were adults, with injuries ranging from gunshot wounds to those sustained in the panic. A fifth-grader heroically shielded his friend and was injured; President Trump has announced plans to award him the Medal of Honor for Courage.
- Scene Response: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the shooter was “heavily armed” and dressed in black. The suspect was found dead at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Heavy police presence remained throughout the day, with the area cordoned off for investigation.
- Weapons and Tactics: Reports indicate the shooter used a semi-automatic rifle as the primary weapon, supplemented by pepper spray to disorient victims. Anti-Jewish slurs, Columbine references, and phrases like “kill Donald Trump” were scrawled on rifle magazines and the weapon itself.
Governor Tim Walz and local officials have expressed condolences, with flags at the White House lowered to half-staff on President Trump’s orders.
The Shooter: Who Was Robin Westman?
The suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman (born Robert Westman), a transgender individual who legally changed their name in 2020 after identifying as female. Westman, a Minneapolis resident, had no prior criminal record but showed signs of deep-seated issues in online activity.
- Background: Family members, including uncle and former Kentucky state lawmaker Bob Heleringer, described limited contact with Westman, calling the event an “unspeakable tragedy.” Westman was reportedly Jewish, which adds complexity given the anti-Jewish markings on the weapons.
- Motive Indicators: The FBI is probing the attack as a hate crime against Catholics, noting Westman bypassed nearby synagogues and a Holocaust museum to target the Catholic school.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to Westman as a “deranged monster” targeting vulnerable children.
The Manifesto: A Chilling Video Diary
Prior to the shooting, Westman uploaded a 20-minute video to YouTube, scheduled to post around the time of the attack. The video, described as a manifesto-style diary, reveals an obsession with violence and mass shootings.
- Content Highlights: The footage shows Westman flipping through a handwritten journal filled with dense entries. Key moments include stabbing a knife into a sketched diagram of church pews, handling ammunition, magazines, and guns, and references to infamous shooters like those at Sandy Hook and Columbine. The video emphasizes a fixation on murder, with political undertones such as the “kill Donald Trump” inscription.
- Analysis: Law enforcement is analyzing the video for clues on planning and ideology. It appears to blend personal grievances, mental health struggles, and echoes of past tragedies, though full transcription is ongoing due to the handwritten nature.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The shooting has sparked intense debate:
- Political Responses: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey used a press conference to defend transgender rights, condemning those “villainizing” the trans community and stating they’ve “lost their humanity.” President Trump and other leaders have focused on honoring victims and investigating motives.
- Community Impact: Parents and survivors are reeling, with stories of bravery emerging, like the child who protected his friend.
- Gun Rights Angle: Occurring in a gun-free zone, the incident reignites discussions on school safety, mental health resources, and Second Amendment protections. Critics argue that armed security could have mitigated the tragedy.
As investigations continue, our thoughts are with the families affected by this senseless act. Stay tuned to TacticalShit.com for updates on tactical responses, gear recommendations for personal defense, and analysis of how such events underscore the need for preparedness.