MINNEAPOLIS — Two children were killed and 17 others injured Wednesday morning when a shooter opened fire through the windows of a Minneapolis church during a school Mass.
The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol when he opened fire just before 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic School. Westman fired dozens of rounds into the sanctuary from outside, then died by suicide.
“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” said Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Fourteen more children, ages 6 to 15, and three elderly parishioners were wounded but are expected to survive.
Investigation Looking Into The Shooter Being Linked to Madison School Attacker
Authorities are investigating potential links between Westman and Natalie Rupnow, the shooter behind the 2024 Abundant Life Christian School attack in Madison, Wisconsin. According to law enforcement sources, Westman had Rupnow’s name written on one of the firearms, and social media activity suggests he may have been influenced by or in contact with other shooters online.
As communities nationwide react, Wisconsin’s Afternoon News spoke with Anne Schwartz, a law enforcement communications expert who assisted in the Madison school shooting response.
“These young shooters are often deeply connected in dark online spaces,” said Schwartz, “They feed off each other’s ideologies.”
Schwartz explained that unlike serial killers who operate alone, these individuals often seek validation and connection, which can accelerate their path to violence.
“We’ve seen it happen in game chats, forums… kids who are angry on Monday can be radicalized by Saturday,” she warned.
Security Measures and What Comes Next
Schwartz said recent incidents are pushing schools, especially private and religious institutions, to rethink how they approach safety.
“We are running out of places to say, ‘It won’t happen here,’” Schwartz said. “Law enforcement is constantly preparing, but it’s not enough unless schools and churches are, too.”
She revealed that just hours before the shooting, she had received notice about an upcoming House of Worship Safety & Security Training organized by the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, a reminder that concerns over school and church safety remain top of mind for law enforcement.
“There’s a reluctance in some parochial schools to plan for the worst because they believe they’re protected,” she said. “But we can’t ignore that these spaces are being targeted.”
She highlighted AI weapons detection and ballistic window materials as evolving security tools, but acknowledged that if someone is determined to harm others, “they’ll find a way.”
“A person hell-bent on taking lives is going to adapt,” she added. “That’s why situational awareness, communication, and community involvement are so critical.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate Westman’s motives, including a now-deleted YouTube channel which reportedly featured disturbing videos showing weapons marked with extremist phrases.
The FBI is treating the case as a domestic terrorism incident and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
They are also looking into Westman’s personal connections to the school. Reports suggest that Westman’s mother may have once worked at the church.
Westman legally changed names from Robert to Robin in 2020, according to court records.
Emotional Fallout and Lasting Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, Schwartz reminded listeners that the psychological wounds, especially in children, can last much longer.
“It’s not just those who were shot. It’s every child who was in that church. The trauma is real, and they’ll carry that with them,” she said.
Counseling services have already been mobilized for affected students and families.
Community in Mourning
Hundreds gathered at a vigil Wednesday night near the school. Archbishop Bernard Hebda joined grieving families and faith leaders.
“How could such tragedy happen in the house of God?” Hebda asked, referring to the church’s inscription: House of God and the gate of heaven.
Children described scenes of panic and heroism. One fifth-grader said a friend shielded him and was hit. Other students hid under pews or in nearby rooms. Teachers reportedly protected students with their bodies, while police rushed in to render aid.
“Older kids were protecting younger ones. Teachers were shielding students. Officers entered immediately to help,” said Annunciation Principal Matt DeBoer.
