Authorities have named 23-year-old Robin Westman as the gunman responsible for a tragic shooting inside a Minneapolis church on Wednesday morning. Westman opened fire during Mass at Annunciation Catholic School, killing two children and injuring 17 others before taking their own life.
The shooting began around 8:30 a.m., Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed. Westman entered the church heavily armed with a shotgun, rifle, and pistol. Two young victims, ages eight and ten, were killed, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners were wounded. All survivors are expected to recover.
“The brutality of targeting a church full of children is beyond comprehension,” O’Hara said.
Online warnings before the attack
Just hours before the rampage, Westman reportedly uploaded troubling videos to a YouTube account under the name Robin W. The channel has since been removed, according to PEOPLE.
The clips displayed stockpiles of guns and ammunition marked with phrases such as “kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?” In another video, Westman stabbed a sketch of the church after pointing out its windows.
Investigators also uncovered a notebook containing rambling passages in both English and Cyrillic, expressing admiration for past school shooters and deep self-loathing. In one note, Westman described conflicting feelings about gender identity and even mentioned wanting to wear a particular outfit on the day of the shooting.
Federal authorities step in
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the bureau is investigating the attack as both a hate crime against Catholics and a case of domestic terrorism. “Our agents are on site, and we ask everyone to keep victims and first responders in your prayers,” Patel posted on X.
Shooter’s background
Westman, who legally changed their name from Robert in 2020 following a petition filed by their mother, had past ties to Annunciation Catholic School and was seen in the area shortly before the incident. Their mother had been employed at the school until her retirement in 2021, according to KARE 11.
Federal officials confirmed that Westman identified as transgender. In a statement, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that the tragedy should not fuel prejudice against the transgender community.
“This horrific act was carried out by one individual and should not be used to stigmatize an entire group,” Frey said.