Tragedy Strikes Minneapolis Church
A peaceful student Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis turned horrific on August 27, 2025, when a lone g*nman opened fire. Fifth-grader Weston Halse recalled, “I was like two seats away from the stained glass windows… the shots were right next to me.” The a**ack left the community reeling from unthinkable loss.
Authorities quickly secured the scene, confirming that two children, ages 8 and 10, were ki**ed. Seventeen others were wounded, 14 of them children, with two remaining in critical condition.
Sh**ter Identified
Police named the suspect as Robin Westman, a Minneapolis resident in her early 20s. Officials believe Westman is d**d. In 2020, Westman legally changed her name from Robert and reportedly identified as female.
Investigators uncovered a dark digital trail, including a now-deleted YouTube channel displaying firearms, anti-religious symbols, white supremacist imagery, and racial slurs. Authorities also recovered a handwritten four-page manifesto detailing years of mental turmoil, hopelessness, and isolation.
Westman admitted in the manifesto: “I have wanted this for so long. I am not well… I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself.” She addressed family and friends with regret, acknowledging the pain her actions would inflict.
Families comfort one another near Annunciation Church following the d**dly sh**ting in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Cha*s Inside the Church
Students scrambled for safety as g*nfire rang out. Halse hid under a pew, covered by his friend Victor, who was injured while shielding him. Authorities guided students to the gym, where doors were locked to keep the sh**oter out. Halse later reunited with his mother, describing relief and sh*ck.
Parents shared heartbreaking accounts. Carla Maldonado, whose two children survived, said, “I am just incredibly grateful… and incredibly sad and angry that this has to be a thing in any school.” She added that frequent school shootings feel “like a broken record,” emphasizing that even one life lost is too many.
National Response
President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy on Truth Social, calling for prayers for those affected. He ordered U.S. flags lowered to half-staff until August 31 at all federal buildings, military posts, and diplomatic facilities, including sites abroad.
