CONTINUING COVERAGE: This article provides updated information following our initial coverage of the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting that claimed the lives of two children during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.
In the hours following the devastating attack that shook the Minneapolis Catholic community, new details have emerged about the shooter’s identity and background, while Pope Leo XIV has issued a heartfelt statement of condolence and prayer for the victims and their families.
Pope Leo XIV Calls Tragedy “Terrible” and Offers Prayers
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in Church history, has sent a telegram of condolences to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, calling the shooting a “terrible tragedy” and expressing his profound sadness over the loss of innocent life.
“His Holiness sends his heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child,” the papal message stated, signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
The Pope’s message continued with a prayer for healing: “While commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God, His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel, and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones.”
Pope Leo XIV offered an apostolic blessing to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis “as a pledge of peace, fortitude, and consolation in the Lord Jesus.”
Shooter Identified as Robin Westman, Born Robert
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara has identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who authorities say acted alone in the attack that killed two children and injured 17 others during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.
According to verified court records and law enforcement sources, the shooter was born Robert and underwent a legal name change as a minor in the state of Minnesota, transitioning to Robin. The Minnesota court system approved the name change request during Westman’s teenage years, reflecting the state’s policies regarding gender identity recognition for minors.
Chief O’Hara confirmed that Westman had no prior criminal history and lawfully purchased the firearms used in the attack – a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. The shooter approached the side of the church and fired through windows toward children sitting in pews during the morning Mass service.
FBI Investigating as Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crime
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. Authorities have confirmed they are aware of a manifesto posted online by the shooter, which was timed for release on YouTube but has since been taken down and is under active review.
The Department of Homeland Security has increased security measures at Catholic institutions nationwide following the attack, working closely with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to assess potential threats.
Archbishop Hebda: “My Heart is Broken”
Archbishop Bernard Hebda, who leads the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, expressed his devastation at the attack on his Catholic community.
“My heart is broken as I think about students, teachers, clergy and parishioners and the horror they witnessed in a Church, a place where we should feel safe,” Archbishop Hebda said in a statement.
The Archbishop thanked Pope Leo XIV for his prayers and noted the outpouring of support from Catholics around the globe. “We need an end to gun violence. Our community is rightfully outraged at such horrific acts of violence perpetrated against the vulnerable and innocent,” he wrote.
Staff from the archdiocese are providing ongoing support to the parish and school community as they begin the long process of healing from this traumatic event.
Governor Walz: “Minnesota is Heartbroken”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings and urged individuals and businesses to do the same in honor of the victims.
“Minnesota is heartbroken,” Governor Walz posted on social media. “From the officers responding, to the clergy and teachers providing comfort, to the hospital staff saving lives, we will get through this together. Hug your kids close.”
During a press conference, Walz emphasized that “Minnesotans will not step away. We’re standing with this community,” while acknowledging that violence has become all too common across the country.
Principal Remembers “Two Angels”
Annunciation School Principal Matthew DuBois spoke emotionally about the children lost in the attack, ages 8 and 10, who were pronounced dead at the scene.
“We lost two angels today,” Principal DuBois said. “Please continue to pray for those still receiving care.”
In a message to school students, families, and staff, he added: “I love you. You’re so brave, and I’m so sorry this happened to us today. Within seconds of this situation beginning, our teachers were heroes.”
Victims Receiving Treatment at Twin Cities Hospitals
Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis’s main trauma hospital, received 10 patients, including eight children aged 6 through 14 and two adults. Seven patients were considered to be in critical condition.
Children’s Minnesota, a pediatric trauma hospital, admitted seven children ages 9 through 16. Medical teams at both facilities are working around the clock to provide care for the victims.
The injured adults include three parishioners in their 80s who were attending the morning Mass service when the attack occurred.
National Catholic Response
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement through Vice President Archbishop William Lori, expressing solidarity with the Minneapolis Catholic community.
“As a Church, we are following the tragic news from Annunciation School in Minneapolis with heartbreaking sadness. Whenever one part of the Body of Christ is wounded, we feel the pain as if it were our very own children. Let us all beg the Lord for the protection and healing of the entire Annunciation family.”
Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, called for prayers: “Please join me in praying for all those who were injured or lost their lives — along with their families. Let us also pray for the students, faculty, and entire parish community.”
Presidential Response and National Mourning
President Donald Trump has ordered flags at the White House and all federal buildings to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on Sunday “as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence.”
The President posted on social media: “Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” The White House confirmed that Trump has been briefed on the situation and is monitoring developments closely.
Community Grapples with Questions of Faith
The attack has left many in the Minneapolis Catholic community struggling with questions of faith and safety. Michael Simpson, whose 10-year-old grandson Weston Halsne was grazed by a bullet while sitting near the church windows, expressed the anguish many are feeling.
“I don’t know where He is,” Simpson said, his voice shaking as he left the area around the school, referring to his struggle to understand where God was during the violence.
The attack occurred during the third day of the new school year, transforming what should have been a time of new beginnings into an unimaginable tragedy for the Annunciation Catholic School community.
Investigation Continues
The FBI, ATF, and Minneapolis Police Department continue their investigation into the shooting. Authorities are examining the shooter’s background, including the circumstances surrounding the gender transition and name change, as they work to understand what may have motivated this attack on innocent children and parishioners.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has increased security at schools and religious institutions statewide as a precautionary measure while the investigation continues.
A Community United in Grief and Prayer
As the Minneapolis Catholic community begins the difficult process of healing, the support from Pope Leo XIV, national Catholic leadership, and communities across the country provides a source of strength during this darkest of times.
The tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of our most sacred spaces and the innocent lives that were cut short during what should have been a peaceful morning of worship and learning.
The investigation into Robin Westman’s background and motivations continues, as authorities work to provide answers to a community desperate to understand how such evil could penetrate a place of worship and education.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victims, their families, and the entire Annunciation Catholic School community during this difficult time.
Related Coverage:Initial Report: Tragedy Strikes Minneapolis – Two Children Killed in Catholic School Shooting
