UPDATE: Annunciation Catholic Church School Shooter IDed as Robin Westman, Reportedly is Trans
Fourteen children have been shot, with two dead after a gunman opened fire on a Minneapolis Catholic Church during the first mass of the school year.
Authorities and witnesses described the horrifying scene as the community reels from the violence that took place at Annunciation Catholic Church around 8:30am local time.
“During the mass, a gunman approached on the outside on the side of the building and began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews at the mass,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said. “Shooting through the windows, he struck children and worshipers that were inside the building.”
He described the shooting as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children” and worshippers.
“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara added.
At least 20 people are believed to have been gunned down, Daily Mail reports, but the final tally of victims is not yet confirmed.
O’Hara did confirm that the two children who perished were ages eight and 10.
The shooter is allegedly “trans,” going by Robin Westman and Robert Westman, according to Fox News. Pictures have been leaked that show rifle magazines with numerous disturbing inscriptions, as well as his manifesto.
Westman, 23, appeared to have a disdain for Christians; one magazine read, “Where Is Your God?”
“For The Children,” read another. “Kill Donald Trump,” was also written.
Westman demanded in the manifesto that his family “remember to be good people.” He also posted videos where he made strange sounds and laughed as he showed off a gun, ammo and more to the camera.
A Jesus Christ range target was shown in his clip as well.
O’Hara confirmed that Westman had no prior criminal record. The chief also stated that the firearms used in the attack had all been legally purchased.
A parent told The Star Tribune that he shot “50 to 100” rounds and “killed two kids.”
“This is terrible,” the parent said. “This is evil. I don’t know how you defend against this.”
Referring to Westman as “a coward,” O’Hara stated that he “took his own life in the rear of the church.”
He added that investigators are not aware of any other individuals involved in the shooting.
“Our investigators are working with other agencies, [and are] in the process of executing four search warrants. One is for the church itself where this crime occurred. The other three are residences nearby in the metro that are related to this shooter. Additional firearms are being recovered from those three residential locations as we speak,” he explained.
A local told the Star Tribune that he held the hands of three children who were shot, one of them being wounded in the neck.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said on live TV, “Don’t just say thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying.”
Numerous left-wing news shows, such as Good Morning America were not covering the incident on TV after 10:30am local time, RTM can confirm.
CBS Mornings was doing a segment on Scoliosis, while the Today show was doing a segment on food.
The City of Minneapolis posted on X: “There is an active police situation at Annunciation Church, 509 W. 54th St. There is no active threat to the community at this time. The shooter is contained.”
“Stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to help victims – W. 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet Ave.”
President Trump issued a statement on Truth Social about the heinous incident: “I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem similarly called the occurrence “horrific” and said she’s “praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families.” She added that her department is actively working with “interagency partners.”
The Vatican also expressed its sorrow over the tragedy. Pope Leo XIV sent a message of condolence to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis following the deadly attack.
In a telegram sent on his behalf, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said the Holy Father extends his “Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus” to the school community and the broader Twin Cities area.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are also monitoring the situation.
“I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence,” Walz said in a statement.
Frey said that he’s “monitoring reports of horrific violence in South Minneapolis” and is ” in touch with Chief O’Hara and our emergency response team has been activated.”
“We will share more information as soon as we can. Please give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation.”
This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
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