Tragedy at Minneapolis Church: School Mass Shooting Claims Lives of Children

Minneapolis is grappling with grief following a shooting during a school Mass at the Annunciation Catholic Church, marking the beginning of the academic year. Mayor Jacob Frey addressed attendees at a candlelight vigil, emphasizing the need for unity and collective action in the wake of the tragedy.

The assault, which lasted approximately two minutes, resulted in the deaths of two young children and left over a dozen others injured. The incident unfolded in the southern part of the city within the church premises.

Eyewitnesses recounted how children and staff sought shelter beneath pews as the assailant fired into the church through stained-glass windows. Police confirmed that at least two entrances had been barricaded from the outside. The shooter subsequently took her own life.

Federal authorities are probing the attack as both a hate crime targeting Catholics and an act of domestic terrorism. Further details have emerged regarding the victims, suspect, and potential motives.

Among those killed were two children aged 8 and 10 who succumbed inside the church pews. Additionally, at least 14 children between the ages of 6 and 15 sustained injuries, along with three elderly parishioners in their 80s.

The suspect has been identified as Robin Westman, 23, believed to be a former student of the school. Authorities reported that the attacker was equipped with three firearms, all legally acquired.

While the motive remains unclear, investigators noted the suspect’s social media activity included an obsession with firearms, violence, and school shootings. Videos posted featured diary-style entries describing the killing of children and a sketch of the church’s interior.