MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Authorities have identified the suspect in Wednesday’s deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School as Robin M. Westman, a 23-year-old with prior records under the name Robert Paul Westman. The attack left two children dead and 17 others injured during a morning Mass service.
Law enforcement sources said the gunman may have gone by both names, Robert and Robin. Court records show that in 2019, a Minneapolis juvenile named Robert Westman legally changed their name to Robin. In documents filed at the time, Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, wrote that her child “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”
Mary Grace Westman was also listed as parish secretary for Annunciation Catholic Church in 2021, according to a church Facebook post, though her connection to the suspect beyond family ties remains unclear. She has not publicly commented.
Details of the Attack
Police said the shooter, dressed in black and carrying a rifle, opened fire during morning Mass. Two children were killed, and among the 17 wounded, 14 were children. Authorities confirmed the shooter died by suicide inside the school.
Emergency responders rushed victims to area hospitals. Hennepin Healthcare reported receiving one adult and six children in critical condition, along with another adult and two children suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed six young patients were also being treated but declined to share further details.
Authorities have not yet identified the victims, nor have they confirmed whether Westman had any direct connection to the school or its students.
Disturbing Online Footage
Investigators are reviewing a series of disturbing videos posted under the name “Robin Westman” prior to the shooting. The clips, which were removed from YouTube afterward, appeared to show handwritten notes, weapons marked with painted messages, and commentary by the person recording. Officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the footage.
Community and National Response
The Minneapolis Police Department said there is no ongoing threat to the community and confirmed that the “shooter is contained.”
The shooting has drawn national attention, with federal and state leaders responding swiftly. Former President Donald Trump confirmed that the FBI has launched an investigation into the attack, calling the incident “a devastating tragedy for Minnesota.”
As investigators work to piece together the motive, the Minneapolis community is left reeling from the shocking loss of life at one of its Catholic institutions.
