Minneapolis is reeling in the aftermath of a heartbreaking school shooting at Annunciation Church because it left two young children as dead and 17 others as injured during a morning Mass. For investigating of the attack, the FBI has confirmed it as a potential anti-Catholic hate crime and also domestic terrorism.
Kash Patel, FBI Director, gave information. On X (formerly Twitter), the announcement was made.
“The FBI is investigating this shooting for it is an act of domestic terrorism together with a hate crime targeting Catholics.”
That Wednesday, the assault happened when children met inside the church to mark the term’s start. Shots went through Annunciation Church’s windows and it is also a school for ages 5 to 14.
At just eight and ten years old, two victims were killed instantly. The suspect died at the scene because of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect was later identified as being 23 years old Robin Westman.
Authorities say Westman was armed with both a rifle and also a shotgun and then a pistol besides multiple weapons as well as left behind a smoke bomb. Police still determine whether shots fired were only from outside or inside of the building.
The aftermath has been filled with devastation. Sheer bravery also occurred at this time.
Patrick Scallen, who lived nearby, recalled rushing toward the sound of gunfire so he found terrified children fleeing. The girl begged him for his constant presence because her head bled.
- A 10-year-old survivor told CBS affiliate WCCO that his best friend saved his life by shielding him from bullets. “Victor laid on top of me. He got hit, but he saved me,” the boy said.
For many parents and neighbors, the sheer cruelty of targeting children at prayer has left the community shaken.
Community and Global Mourning
By Wednesday evening, mourners gathered outside the church, laying flowers and holding candles in silence. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, expressed his deep sorrow, saying he was “profoundly saddened” by the attack.
Local leaders also condemned the violence. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the act “a deliberate attack on innocent children” and described it as “absolutely incomprehensible.”
Mayor Jacob Frey urged residents not to turn their grief into hatred against the transgender community after it emerged that Westman had legally changed their name and gender in 2020.
Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Patel sparked controversy by referring to Westman as male, while officials confirmed that Westman identified as transgender.
Political Reactions
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz revealed that former President Donald Trump personally offered condolences and federal support. Later, Trump ordered the U.S. flag flown at half-mast in memory of the young victims.
Governor Walz added:
“This is all too common—not just in Minnesota, but across the country. No community or school should ever have to experience a day like this.”
Final Thoughts
The Minneapolis tragedy is a stark reminder of how fragile safety feels in American schools and houses of worship. As families mourn and investigators search for answers, the nation is once again left grappling with questions of hate, violence, and the urgent need for stronger protections for children.
