Shooter kills two children and injures 17 in Minneapolis church mass shooting

In a tragic event that occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a mass shooting took place on August 26, 2025, during a church service attended by children and their families. A man identified as Robin Westman, in his early 20s, opened fire with multiple firearms, including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, targeting worshippers inside the church. As a result, two children, aged 8 and 10, lost their lives, while 17 others sustained injuries, with 14 of them being children. The horrific nature of the attack drew widespread condemnation and grief from various community members, as well as sports teams in the area, highlighting the emotional impact of this senseless act of violence. Following the shooting, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that the gunman was deceased, likely due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities found that Robin Westman had a manifesto that expressed disturbing thoughts and was reportedly in the process of posting a video related to the incident on YouTube. These findings raised concerns about possible motivations behind the attack, categorized by the FBI as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. The shooter had previously changed his name legally from Robert Westman to Robin Westman in 2019, suggesting a complex personal history that law enforcement is now investigating further. As the city mourns the loss of innocent lives during what was meant to be a joyful event at the church, expressions of sorrow and solidarity have poured in from community leaders, fellow citizens, and sports figures. The Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves players voiced their heartbreak over the shooting and emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for children in schools and places of worship. The local response has included discussions about the need for stronger gun control measures and better community support systems to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. In the wake of the attack, law enforcement remains vigilant in their investigation, as they conduct searches for additional weapons at various locations connected to the shooter. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this violence, prompting calls for healing and unity amongst the grieving families and the broader Minneapolis populace. This tragic day will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on all those affected, reflecting a broader societal issue with gun violence that continues to plague communities nationwide.