On August 27, 2025, a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 others injured, sending shockwaves through the community. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Minneapolis police. New details have emerged, revealing a complex and troubling picture of the events leading up to the attack, which occurred during a morning Mass attended by students and staff.
Court records obtained by the Minneapolis Star Tribune confirm that Westman, who changed her name in 2020, identified as a transgender woman. The name change was motivated by her gender identity, as documented in Dakota County District Court. Westman, a former student at Annunciation, reportedly had ties to the school through her mother, who worked as a parish secretary there until 2021. Social media posts and videos attributed to Westman, now removed, showcased a disturbing fixation on violence, guns, and school shootings. These posts included a hand-drawn diagram of the church’s interior, suggesting premeditation, and displayed weapons with hateful messages, including antisemitic and racist language.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that investigators recovered three legally purchased firearms—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—along with 116 rifle rounds and three shotgun shells from the scene. The shooter’s handgun appeared to have jammed, potentially limiting further casualties. Westman’s journal entries, partially shared online, revealed deep-seated self-hatred, violent fantasies targeting children, and references to L.G.B.T.Q. and transgender symbols alongside threats. While no specific motive has been confirmed, authorities noted the absence of a clear “triggering event” tied to the church or school.
The attack has reignited polarized debates, with some right-wing commentators on social media amplifying Westman’s transgender identity to fuel anti-trans narratives. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned such rhetoric, urging the public to avoid scapegoating the transgender community. “Anyone using this tragedy to villainize any group has lost their sense of humanity,” Frey said during a press conference. Data from the Gun Violence Archive underscores that transgender individuals are involved in a tiny fraction—less than 0.2%—of mass shootings, with cisgender men overwhelmingly responsible for such acts.
The Annunciation community is grappling with profound grief. Headteacher Matthew DeBoer described the lost students as “two angels” and called for prayers for the injured. Witnesses, including 13-year-old student Javen Willis, recounted harrowing moments of diving under pews as gunfire erupted. The church, known for its close-knit community, has mobilized support, with local residents and businesses offering flowers, therapy dogs, and counseling. Governor Tim Walz called the shooting a “horrific act of violence,” while President Donald Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff.
Investigations continue as authorities search three residences linked to Westman, recovering additional firearms. The focus remains on understanding her motives and preventing future tragedies, amid calls for both gun control and mental health reforms. The Minneapolis community, united in mourning, seeks healing while confronting the broader implications of this devastating event.
