The FBI has confirmed that the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting which killed two children and injured 17 others is being investigated as a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism.
Minneapolis Catholic school shooting shocks community
The suspected shooter, identified as Robin M. Westman, was born Robert Paul Westman before legally changing their name in 2020 to reflect a female identity.
According to Fox News, Westman opened fire on Wednesday morning, 27 August 2025, at Annunciation Catholic School and Church during Mass, where children and staff had gathered for the start of the school term.
Police said the attacker carried three firearms — a rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun — and fired dozens of shots through the church’s windows before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Who was Robin (Robert) Westman?
Court documents show that Robert Westman legally changed their name to Robin in 2020 after expressing a desire to be recognised as female.
In the application, the judge noted: “Minor child identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”
Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, was a long-serving parish secretary at Annunciation School before retiring in 2021. She has not publicly commented since the incident.
Police confirmed that all three weapons used in the shooting were legally purchased, and Westman had no criminal record before the attack. Investigators also seized additional firearms from residences linked to Westman in the Minneapolis metro area.
Timeline of the attack
Police received emergency calls just before 08:00 local time (15:00 SAST) on Wednesday. Witnesses said the gunman, dressed in black, walked up to the side of the church and began shooting through stained-glass windows.
Children, aged between five and 14, screamed and ran for cover. Survivors recalled terrifying moments: one boy told local media that his friend saved his life by lying on top of him to shield him from bullets. That friend was shot in the back and rushed to hospital.
Ten victims were treated at Hennepin Healthcare, while three others were admitted at Children’s Minnesota Hospital. Doctors confirmed some patients remain in critical condition.
Manifesto and online videos
Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed investigators found disturbing online content linked to Westman, including a scheduled manifesto meant to be posted at the time of the shooting.
Videos showed notebooks, firearms with painted messages, and commentary from the attacker. The FBI has since removed these materials from public platforms.
Mayor Jacob Frey urged residents not to target the transgender community in reaction to the shooter’s identity. Homeland Security officials, however, stressed that Westman was “a man, claiming to be transgender.”
The killings sparked national grief and outrage. Pope Leo XIV said he was “profoundly saddened” and condemned the targeting of children during worship.
President Donald Trump ordered flags at the White House to be flown at half-mast, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the tragedy was “all too common” and vowed more support for victims’ families.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack “a deliberate act of hate and domestic terrorism targeting Catholics.”
Mourners have since gathered outside Annunciation Catholic School, leaving flowers and candles. Local residents described the scene as heartbreaking, with parents embracing children who survived.
Police continue to investigate the motive but confirmed the attack was premeditated.
Whether connected to the school through family history or ideology, the suspect left behind a scar that the Minneapolis community says will take years to heal.
