On August 27, 2025, a tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis left two children dead and 18 others injured. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, was found dead at the scene with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Newly released search warrants and ongoing investigations have revealed critical details about the incident, the shooter’s background, and the evidence collected, shedding light on the devastating event.
The Shooting and Evidence Collected
The attack occurred during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, adjacent to its school, where students and parishioners were gathered. Westman, dressed in black tactical gear, opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting children in the pews. The search warrants document a staggering 258 pieces of evidence, including three firearms: a Taurus semiautomatic pistol, a Mossberg pump-action shotgun, and a Magpul semiautomatic rifle. Authorities recovered 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and several magazines, some empty and others loaded with live ammunition. The pistol reportedly malfunctioned, with one live round stuck in the chamber.
Additional items found at the scene included a knife, green fingerless gloves, black mechanic gloves, headphones, a gray zip-up sweatshirt, and a wood board with a gas container and metal pull pin, possibly intended as a smoke bomb. A 2015 Ram ProMaster City van, registered to Westman’s father, James Westman, was parked behind the church with a rifle case visible inside. At James Westman’s home, police collected a tactical vest, two external media storage devices, and miscellaneous documents.
Victims and Community Impact
The shooting claimed the lives of two children: 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Fletcher’s father delivered an emotional statement to the press, while Harper’s family described her as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved.” Fifteen other children, aged 6 to 15, and three elderly parishioners were injured. The Minneapolis community has rallied to support the victims, with initiatives like the Annunciation Response Fund and the Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund established to provide financial assistance. GoFundMe has verified eight fundraisers, and the Uvalde Foundation for Kids is aiding the families of the deceased with funeral expenses. Local hospitals have also called for blood donations due to the significant strain on supplies.
Shooter’s Background and Motive
Robin Westman, a transgender woman with no prior criminal record except a traffic ticket, had ties to Annunciation Catholic Church, having attended its school as a child. Westman’s father told police that Robin had recently broken up with a romantic partner and was staying with a friend in St. Louis Park after living in Richfield. The shooter’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, who has a residence in Florida, has hired criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry but has not yet spoken to investigators. James Westman confirmed the family’s cooperation with authorities, and police noted that the weapons used were legally purchased.
Investigators are still searching for a clear motive. Westman’s online videos and writings, including a journal with entries in English and Cyrillic, contained disturbing content, such as racial and homophobic slurs, antisemitic messages, and references to suicide, the Holocaust, and the Catholic Church. The writings expressed a desire to target “a big assembly on the first day of school” and an obsession with past school shooters, though Westman claimed there was “no message.” A former classmate, Josefina Sanchez, who attended St. Agnes Catholic School with Westman, recalled “red flags” in the shooter’s behavior, including giving Nazi salutes and idolizing school shootings during middle school.
Official Response and Broader Context
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that the investigation is ongoing, with additional firearms recovered from two other residences linked to Westman. FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the attack an act of “domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology.” Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson described Westman’s intent as wanting to “watch children suffer.” The shooting marks the 44th school shooting in the United States in 2025, highlighting the persistent issue of gun violence in schools, which has risen significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.
As authorities continue to analyze Westman’s writings and digital footprint, the Minneapolis community mourns the loss of young lives and grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy. The investigation aims to uncover why Westman targeted Annunciation Catholic Church and what steps can be taken to prevent future acts of violence.