Minneapolis | August 28, 2025 : Two children were killed and several others injured when a gunman opened fire during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Authorities have identified the shooter as Robin Westman, 23, who was later found dead in the school’s parking lot from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Officials confirmed that Westman used three legally purchased firearms — a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol — to carry out the deadly attack. Dozens of rounds were fired inside the church before the shooting ended.

Disturbing Messages on Weapons

According to investigators, the shooter had scribbled chilling messages on the firearms and ammunition magazines. Phrases such as “Kill Donald Trump,” “Nuke India,” “Burn Israel,” “Israel must fall,” and “Where is your God?” were written across the weapons.

References to past school shooters and phrases like “For the children” were also found. Some of the writing appeared in Cyrillic script, suggesting influences beyond English-language sources.

A now-deleted YouTube channel believed to belong to Westman featured at least two videos showing an arsenal of weapons and ammunition. One video, about 10 minutes long, displayed the guns with the disturbing messages written on them, while another showcased journals written almost entirely in Cyrillic.

Shooter’s Background

Court records indicate that Westman was born Robert but changed the name legally in 2020 after identifying as female. Officials, however, listed Westman as male.

In one of the videos, Westman reportedly held up a smaller firearm, remarking: “This one is for me, in case I need it.” A letter addressed to family members apologizing for the impact of the attack was also shown.

Despite the troubling content, authorities confirmed Westman had no prior criminal history and legally purchased all the weapons used in the assault.

Official Responses

US Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the authenticity of the videos and condemned the writings, calling them the work of a “deeply sick murderer.” She wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This level of violence is unthinkable.”

President Donald Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the nation as a mark of mourning. He described the shooting as a “cowardly attack on children at prayer.”

Officials said Westman acted alone and there was no evidence of additional threats to other schools in the area.

A Growing Tragedy in America

The attack at Annunciation Catholic School is reported to be the 146th school shooting in the United States since January 2025, highlighting the continuing crisis of gun violence in the country.

Parents, students, and community members gathered for vigils outside the school Wednesday evening, lighting candles and offering prayers for the victims.

As investigations continue, authorities say they are working to trace the origins of Westman’s writings, particularly the references in Cyrillic, to better understand the motive behind the attack.