Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Shooting at Minneapolis Catholic School

23-year-old Robin Westman identified as the attacker.

A tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has left two children dead and 17 others injured, U.S. officials confirmed Wednesday. The attack occurred shortly before 8:00 AM local time at Annunciation Church, where children were attending a worship service during their first week back at school.

Authorities have identified the attacker as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a resident of suburban Minneapolis. Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. FBI Investigating as Domestic Terrorism, Hate Crime The FBI is treating the shooting as both an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, though a clear motive has not yet been determined. Investigators said a manifesto written by the suspect was scheduled to go live on YouTube at the time of the attack. The video was quickly taken down with assistance from the FBI.

“This was a targeted attack, carried out in a place of worship and learning,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. “We are devastated by this act of senseless violence and are doing everything possible to support the victims and their families.”

Details of the Attack

According to police, Westman was dressed entirely in black and approached the side of the church, which also functions as a school. Armed with three firearms a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol Westman opened fire through the building’s windows. A smoke bomb was also found at the scene.

Among the 17 injured are both children and adult staff members. Several remain in critical condition at local hospitals. The identities of the deceased children have not been released, pending family notification.

A Grim Trend

This incident marks one of the deadliest school shootings in Minnesota’s history. While Minnesota has largely been spared from the scale of school gun violence seen in other U.S. states, this tragedy reignites urgent calls for gun reform and increased school security. It is also the most deadly attack on a religious school since the 2017 shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, which left 26 dead.

Community in Mourning

The local community has been left shaken. Vigils are being organized across Minneapolis, and grief counselors have been dispatched to support students, staff, and families.

“This is not just an attack on a school it is an attack on faith, innocence, and safety,” said Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.