A mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in south Minneapolis on August 27 claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others, police confirmed. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, died by suicide in the church parking lot shortly after the attack. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the child victims were aged 8 and 10.
The FBI, working alongside the ATF, is investigating the incident as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
“We are aware of reports of a shooting at a Catholic school in Minnesota. FBI agents are on scene, and we ask everyone to keep potential victims, civilians or law enforcement in your prayers,” — former Trump aide Kash Patel on X, relaying the bureau’s early assessment.
Updates on the shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 27, 2025
Police: Motive Still Unclear, Manifesto Under Review
Police Chief O’Hara stated investigators have found “no information to share on a motive” and could not confirm any connection between Westman or his family and the school.
“There was some sort of manifesto… it’s been taken down, and our investigators are going through that to try and develop a motive,” — Police Chief Brian O’Hara
Officials executed three search warrants at residential locations. Authorities recovered notebooks filled with violent sketches and a 20-minute YouTube video in which Westman referenced previous mass shootings. The shooter, born Robert Paul Westman, legally changed his name to Robin in 2020 at age 17, according to KARE 11.
🚨 JUST IN: The Minneapolis Police Chief says they have NO MOTIVE in the Catholic School Shooting by a trans coward
You’ve gotta be kidding me.
All the anti-Christian and anti-God writings don’t give away the motive?!
TOTAL BULLSHlT. pic.twitter.com/dMaLT9vjuE
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) August 27, 2025
Family Background, Weapons, and Ongoing Investigation
Westman’s mother, Mary Grace, had worked at Annunciation Catholic School until her retirement in 2021. Police emphasized there is no evidence linking her to the attack.
“Neither James nor Mary Grace Westman are under investigation,” — Chief O’Hara
Investigators said Westman, dressed in black, barricaded church doors before firing multiple weapons into the building. The FBI and ATF are tracing the firearms and analyzing the suspect’s digital footprint to determine whether the attack was premeditated with ideological intent.
