A gunman opened fire through church windows during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis on Wednesday, killing two children, injuring at least 17 people (most of them students) and later taking his own life. Authorities say the suspect has been identified; motive remains under investigation.
What happened — the facts so far
Shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, a man armed with multiple weapons opened fire from outside Annunciation Catholic Church — which is attached to Annunciation Catholic School — while students and parishioners were attending Mass for the start of the school year. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed; 17 others were wounded, including at least 14 children, according to Minneapolis police. The shooter was later found dead from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot. Officials described the attack as a deliberate act directed at worshippers. ReutersStar TribuneFOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told reporters the attacker fired into the church windows and that investigators were gathering evidence at the scene. Local and federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, were notified as the investigation continued. AxiosNBC 7 San Diego
Local outlets and law enforcement sources have identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman (reports say the name was previously Robert), but investigators are still working to piece together motive, background and whether the shooter had any ties to the school. Officials have said they are reviewing the suspect’s vehicle and any materials left behind. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News+1
Timeline (compiled from public reports)
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~8:20–8:30 a.m. — Students and parishioners attend a morning Mass marking the first week of school; many children were in the pews. CBS News
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~8:30 a.m. — Shooter approaches the side of the church and opens fire through the windows into the congregation. Axios
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Shortly after — Police and first responders arrive; the shooter is found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted wound. Victims are transported to area hospitals. Reuters
Who is the suspect?
Early reporting from multiple local outlets identified the gunman as 23-year-old Robin Westman. News organizations report investigators found writings and online activity that they are reviewing; some reports say a manifesto-like video or posts were discovered, though details and authenticity are still being verified by law enforcement. Authorities caution the public that many details remain unconfirmed as the investigation continues. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness NewsHindustan Times
Victims, injuries and hospital updates
Authorities said two children — an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old — were killed. At least 17 others were injured, including 14 children; some of the injured were listed in critical condition in early hospital updates. Hospitals in the area were treating multiple patients; local coverage notes several children were being stabilized and that surgical teams had been mobilized. Officials have not released an updated victim list or the identities of the deceased pending family notification. The GuardianFOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
Reaction — community, city and state leaders
Mayor Jacob Frey and Minneapolis Police publicly condemned the attack, calling it a “deliberate act of violence” directed at innocent worshippers and children. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other state and national leaders expressed condolences; the Department of Homeland Security said it was monitoring the situation. Local clergy, school staff and parents were reported to be in shock, and a reunification center was opened for families. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness NewsAxios
Eyewitness accounts
Survivors and witnesses described chaotic scenes in the pews — children ducking, people shielding younger students, and some students who were struck receiving immediate first aid from adults nearby. One fifth-grader told local media a friend lay on top of them to shield them and was wounded in the process. Reporters from local stations described somber reunions outside the school as parents arrived. CBS NewsFOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
What investigators are focusing on
Authorities said they are:
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Processing the scene for forensic evidence (shell casings, bullet trajectories, video, etc.).
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Searching the suspect’s vehicle and online accounts for motive and planning indicators, including any posted manifestos or videos.
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Interviewing witnesses, school staff and first responders.
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Coordinating with state and federal partners. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News+1
Context: school and church shootings in 2025
This attack comes amid a wider national conversation about gun violence and school safety: 2025 has already seen numerous school-related shootings and mass-attacks, prompting renewed debate in Minnesota and nationally over prevention, mental-health supports, and security measures in faith-based and educational settings. Officials and community leaders typically renew calls for policy action after such tragedies, but investigations often take days to fully establish motive and possible warning signs. The GuardianReuters
What parents and community members should know now
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Reunification & support: Follow official Minneapolis Police and Annunciation school channels for reunification instructions. Local news outlets are listing counseling resources and hotlines. Star TribuneFOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul
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Avoid speculation: Officials asked the public not to speculate or spread unverified material, especially social posts that may hamper the investigation or traumatize victims’ families. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News
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Safety steps: If you are in the area, follow law enforcement directions; if you have children at the school, contact the school hotline/reunification center rather than going directly to the campus to avoid clogging emergency access. Star Tribune
FAQs (quick answers for searchers)
Q: Where did the shooting happen?
At Annunciation Catholic Church and School in south Minneapolis (near 54th and Lyndale), during a morning Mass. Axios
Q: How many victims?
Two children were killed and at least 17 others were injured, according to Minneapolis police. The GuardianReuters
Q: Who was the shooter?
Local sources and law enforcement identified the suspect as 23-year-old Robin Westman; investigators continue to confirm details. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News
Q: Was the shooter arrested?
The shooter was found dead at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Reuters
Q: Is there an ongoing threat in the city?
Authorities say the immediate threat was contained; they continue investigative activities and have increased patrols while they gather evidence. Follow official law enforcement channels for advisories. KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News
Suggested local resources & hotlines
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Minneapolis Police Department — official updates (MPD social channels / press briefings). KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News
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Local hospitals (follow hospital press statements for patient status updates). NBC 7 San Diego
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School district and Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis communications for family reunification and counseling resources.
Recommended next steps for newsrooms (SEO & linking)
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Headline variants to use in SERPs: “Annunciation Catholic School shooting Minneapolis — 2 children killed, suspect identified,” “Robin Westman identified in Minneapolis church shooting.”
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Target keywords: annunciation catholic school minneapolis shooting, robin westman, minneapolis shooting today, annunciation school shooting, minnesota school shooting. (Use long-tail variations in subheads and FAQs.)
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Internal links to add: city crime coverage, school safety stories, profile pages for Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz.
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External links to include: official MPD press release, AP/Reuters/ST coverage, hospital statements, Archdiocese/resource pages.
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Suggested images: exterior photos of Annunciation Catholic Church & School (clear wide shots of building and street), reporters’ scene photos (AP/Reuters), press conference stills of MPD and Mayor. (Use wire images with rights clearance.)
