Police have identified 23-year-old Robin Westman as the suspected gunman in Wednesday’s shooting outside Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and 17 people were injured. Officials said Westman fired into the building through stained-glass windows and past doors that had been reinforced with 2-by-4s. The city noted there was “no active threat to the community” and said the gunman was contained.
Authorities said Westman—who had attended the school for at least a year and whose mother worked there until 2021—posted a series of disturbing YouTube videos shortly before the attack, displaying multiple firearms, ammunition, and a handwritten four-page letter addressed to family and friends. One magazine bore the words “For the children.” In the letter, Westman wrote, “I don’t expect forgiveness …
I do apologize for the effects my actions will have on your lives,” and, “I was corrupted by this world and have learned to hate what life is.” Court documents indicate that at age 17, Westman filed to change their name in 2020, noting a female identification. In the videos, Westman also reportedly mused about violence against President Trump and Jewish people and wrote, “I don’t want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man.” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Westman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and had no criminal history; investigators are still working to determine motive.
A former classmate, Josefina Sanchez, described Westman—whom she first knew as Robert in grade school—as isolated and prone to troubling behavior, recalling a brief friendship that ended after “erratic” actions, including raising a hand to “praise Hitler.”
Federal officials called the attack an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. FBI Director Kash Patel said the victims included an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old who died at the scene; 14 children and three adults were injured. President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed and asked the public to pray for those affected. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also issued a statement expressing support for the community. Vigils were held as families and neighbors mourned the dead and prayed for the wounded in the first week of a school year now marred by tragedy.
