Two children were killed while at least 14 others were injured after a gunman opened fire during Mass at a Minneapolis Catholic school in the United States on Wednesday.
Those injured included three parishioners in their 80s.
The shooting took place at Annunciation Catholic School, a private elementary school with about 395 students.
We can't allow ourselves to become numb to mass shootings. What happened today in Minneapolis is heartbreaking, and Michelle and I are praying for the parents who have lost a child or will be sitting at their hospital bedside after yet another act of unspeakable, unnecessary…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 27, 2025
Police said all the injured children, who are being treated at trauma hospitals, are expected to survive.
"This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping. The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible," Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara told reporters.
What we know about the attacker
Police identified the gunman as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who lives a few miles south of the school.
Police said the shooter did not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone
Records show Westman's name was changed from Robert Westman in 2020 on the grounds that they identified as female.
BREAKING: The Minneapolis shooting suspect has been identified as Robin Westman.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 27, 2025
The alleged shooter released multiple videos on social media, which showed that he clearly hated Christians. They have since been taken down.
"Where is your God?" read one mag.
Evil monster. pic.twitter.com/oyiCkqNwkw
As per reports, Westman's mother, Mary Westman, had worked as an administrative assistant at Annunciation Church.
"Don't just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said at a press conference.
Powerful words from the Mayor of Minneapolis “And don't just say, this is about thoughts and prayers right now. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.” Action, not talk. Absolutely heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/SAW1FVvaup
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) August 27, 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
The White House said in a post on X that President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation on Wednesday afternoon ordering flags to be lowered at all government buildings until sunset on Sunday as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence.
