A tragic shooting occurred at a Catholic church and school in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, resulting in the deaths of two young students, ages 8 and 10. The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during a mass attended by students at Annunciation Catholic School. Westman, who had previously identified as Robert, began the attack by shooting into the church from outside.
In a heartfelt letter to the community, school principal Matthew DeBoer and church pastor Father Dennis Zehren expressed their sorrow and the overwhelming nature of the situation. They noted that heroic staff members acted quickly to protect students by guiding them under pews while law enforcement responded to the scene.
The letter detailed the tragic loss of two students and reported that several others, along with parishioners, were injured. Fortunately, all staff members were accounted for and safe. The community was urged to come together in prayer and support for the affected families.
Westman’s attack left a devastating mark, as he fired through the church windows, injuring 17 others before taking his own life in the church parking lot. Authorities confirmed that Westman’s mother worked at the school, although the specifics of her role remain unclear.
In the aftermath, the FBI is investigating the incident as a hate crime and an act of terrorism targeting Catholics. Westman had left behind disturbing journal entries and drawings that included antisemitic threats, raising concerns about his motivations.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking event, leaders are calling for unity and hope in the face of such darkness.
