Robin Westman Named as Suspect in Minneapolis Church Shooting That Killed Two Children

What began as a routine student Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis on August 27 ended in devastating violence when a lone gunman opened fire on the congregation. The attack left two children, ages 8 and 10, dead and 17 others injured — 14 of them kids. Two victims remain in critical condition.

According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter, identified as 20-something Robin Westman, fired multiple weapons during the assault, including a rifle through the church’s stained-glass windows, as well as a shotgun and pistol. Authorities confirmed Westman died at the scene. While she had no major prior criminal record, investigators uncovered troubling online activity filled with hate symbols and violent rhetoric.

Police also recovered a handwritten, four-page manifesto. In it, Westman described her struggles with mental illness, isolation, and despair. She admitted that her actions were wrong but claimed she felt powerless to stop herself.

Children Caught in the Chaos
Survivors have begun sharing harrowing accounts. Fifth-grader Weston Halse said he hid under a pew when the shooting began. “My friend Victor laid on top of me and got hit,” he recalled. “I was two seats away from the stained-glass windows.” Weston was later escorted to safety in the church gym before reuniting with his mother. He said he was shaken but grateful his friend survived after being rushed to the hospital.

Parents described their own terror. Carla Maldonado, who had two children inside the church, said one was found hiding in the basement and the other in the parking lot. “I feel grateful, but also incredibly sad and angry that this has to happen in schools,” she said, emphasizing that such violence has become far too common and should never be accepted as normal.

National Response
President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy on Truth Social, saying he had been fully briefed and was praying for the families of the victims. He ordered U.S. flags across the nation to be lowered to half-staff until August 31 in honor of the children lost and all those impacted by the shooting.

The Annunciation Church attack has once again raised urgent questions about safety in schools and community spaces — and left Minneapolis mourning lives cut short in an act of senseless violence.