RICHFIELD, Minn. (AP) - Just hours after a tragic shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and 17 others wounded, a vigil was held at the Academy of Holy Angels. Hundreds gathered, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and local clergy members, to mourn and support each other in the wake of this devastating event.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda addressed the crowd on Wednesday night, highlighting the acts of bravery and love displayed by students who attempted to shield their classmates during the horrific incident. He stated, “In the midst of that there was courage, there was bravery, but most especially there was love.” The school, located approximately two miles south of the shooting scene, was filled with emotional attendees coming together in solidarity.
The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, unleashed gunfire using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol at the children attending Mass, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara. The gunfire tragically resulted in the deaths of an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners sustained injuries but are expected to recover. Chief O'Hara confirmed that the shooter died by suicide after the attack.
Rev. Dennis Zehren, who was present during the shooting, recounted that the children were just about to finish the Responsorial Psalm when chaos ensued. He heard someone shout, “Down, down, everybody down,” followed by the sound of gunfire. Fifth-grader Weston Halsne described his terrifying experience of covering himself under a pew, protected by a friend who was tragically hit during the shooting.
Investigation Details
Authorities are treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a potential hate crime targeting Catholics, as revealed by FBI Director Kash Patel. While the investigation is ongoing, no direct connection between the shooter and the church has been established, and the motive remains unknown. Investigators are looking into a social media post appearing to show Westman at the crime scene. Chief O'Hara mentioned that a barricade had been placed at some side doors, and a smoke bomb was discovered at the location.
In a now-deleted YouTube channel, Westman had shared videos displaying an arsenal of weapons and ammunition marked with slogans like “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” A separate video depicted the alleged shooter illustrating the church and mimicking a stabbing motion with a knife. The police chief stated that Westman did not have an extensive criminal history and appeared to have acted independently.
Federal officials characterized Westman as transgender, prompting Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to speak out against the hatred aimed at the transgender community. Although Westman had previously petitioned for a name change from Robert to Robin, their gender identity is currently unclear.
During the chaotic moments of the shooting, police swiftly arrived on the scene, providing first aid and rescuing children who were hiding. Annunciation’s principal, Matt DeBoer, praised the heroic actions of both the children and adults present, noting how older children acted to protect the younger ones. One parent shared that their 11-year-old daughter survived by hiding in a room with a door barricaded by a table, but she struggled to articulate her traumatic experience afterward.
Governor Walz expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing that children who had just begun the school year were met with unimaginable horror and loss. He, alongside President Donald Trump, ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff in remembrance of those affected. Pope Leo XIV also extended his condolences from the Vatican, offering prayers for the families of the victims.
The shooting occurred on the first day of school at Annunciation, a 102-year-old institution located in a community that values acceptance and care. The outpouring of support and grief highlights the deep impact this tragedy has had on the local community and beyond.
