Minneapolis, Minn. — Authorities have identified the suspect behind Wednesday’s deadly shooting at Annunciation Catholic School as 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, who also had records under the name Robert Paul Westman. The attack, carried out during a morning Mass service, left two children dead and 17 others wounded, in what officials are calling one of the deadliest school shootings in Minnesota history.
Law enforcement officials revealed that Westman had previously gone by both names, Robert and Robin. According to court records, a Minneapolis juvenile named Robert Westman legally changed their name to Robin in 2019. In the documents, Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, stated her child “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”
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Mary Grace Westman, listed in 2021 as the parish secretary for Annunciation Catholic Church, has not publicly commented on the tragedy. Authorities have not confirmed whether she maintained any current ties to the church or if the suspect had a direct connection to the school.
Details of the Attack
Police confirmed that the shooter, dressed in black and armed with a rifle, opened fire inside the church during morning Mass. Two children were killed instantly, while 17 others — including 14 children — sustained injuries. The suspect later died by suicide inside the school.
Emergency responders rushed the victims to local hospitals. Hennepin Healthcare reported receiving one adult and six children in critical condition, along with another adult and two children with less severe injuries. Children’s Minnesota Hospital also confirmed treating six young patients but declined to provide details.
Victims’ names have not yet been released, pending family notifications.
Online Activity Under Investigation
Investigators are reviewing a series of disturbing videos posted online under the name “Robin Westman” shortly before the shooting. The clips — later removed from YouTube — allegedly showed handwritten notes, firearms with painted messages, and commentary believed to be from the shooter. Officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the footage but said it is a central part of their investigation.
Community and National Response
Minneapolis police stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the public, confirming that the suspect acted alone and was “contained” within the school.
The incident has drawn swift reactions across the nation. President Donald Trump announced that the FBI has launched a full investigation, calling the shooting “a devastating tragedy for Minnesota.” Federal and state leaders also issued statements of support for the victims’ families and the grieving community.
As investigators work to establish a motive, the Minneapolis community is grappling with shock and grief, mourning the lives lost in what was meant to be a safe haven of worship and learning.