Two Children Killed In Minneapolis Church Shooting During School Mass

TWO children, aged 8 and 10, were shot dead after a gunman opened fire through the windows of a church during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, police have confirmed.

Seventeen others were injured in the attack, including 14 children aged between six and 15, and three parishioners in their 80s. All are expected to survive, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.

The suspect, identified by the FBI as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Westman, born Robert Westman, had legally purchased the rifle, shotgun and pistol used in the attack. Police believe all three weapons were discharged.

The shooting unfolded shortly before 8.30am when the assailant approached the church building and fired dozens of rounds through the stained-glass windows at worshippers. Chief O’Hara described it as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping.”

Heroic staff reportedly moved pupils under the pews “within seconds” of the gunfire, before safely evacuating them minutes later, Annunciation Parish and School said in a statement.

A smoke bomb was also recovered at the scene.

Survivor Accounts

Weston, a ten-year-old pupil, said he was seated beside one of the stained-glass windows shattered by gunfire.

“It was right beside me. I was like two feet away … the shots were right next to me,” he told KSTP television. He described hiding under a pew as a classmate was struck in the back.

Another pupil told reporters she initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks before realising what was happening. A teacher then led her and a friend to shelter in a preschool classroom, where they prayed for safety.

Official Reactions

At an emotional news conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack.

“These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church … This kind of act of evil should never happen, and it happens far too often,” he said.

He also cautioned against stigmatising the transgender community following the revelation of the shooter’s identity:

“Anybody who is using this as an opportunity to villainise our trans community, or any other community, has lost their sense of common humanity. This needs to be about the children and the families.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the state was “heartbroken” but vowed the community would recover together.

The FBI confirmed it is treating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a potential hate crime targeting Catholics, though the motive remains unclear. Investigators are examining the suspect’s social media activity, including a YouTube video showing drawings of weapons and a church interior, which has since been removed.

Global And National Response

Pope Leo XIV conveyed his “heartfelt condolences” and offered prayers for the victims, their families, and first responders. He imparted his Apostolic Blessing to the school, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, and the wider community.

President Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed on the “tragic shooting” and ordered flags to fly at half-mast until Sunday. Former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden also expressed sorrow, with Obama urging Americans not to become “numb” to mass shootings.

Children from pre-kindergarten to year eight attend Annunciation Catholic School. Many were seen leaving hand-in-hand with their parents following the incident.

Source: ABC13 Houston