Minneapolis/sbkinews.in
Minneapolis, August 31, 2025 – The city of Minneapolis is grappling with grief and outrage after a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday left two children dead and 18 others injured. The attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school, opened fire through the church windows during a Mass marking the first week of classes. Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left behind a manifesto and videos expressing “pure, indiscriminate hate” and an obsession with killing children and previous mass shooters.
The Attack: A Massacre During Mass
The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. on August 27, as students and parishioners gathered for Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church. Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all purchased legally and recently—fired dozens of rounds through the stained-glass windows of the church from outside the building.
Two children, Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed instantly while sitting in the pews. Three elderly parishioners in their 80s and fifteen children between the ages of six and fifteen were among the 18 other people hurt.All injured victims are expected to survive, though one child remains in critical condition.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of terror and heroism. Cathrine Spandel, a parishioner, recalled: “Even before the principal yelled, ‘Get down!’ I flew to the ground… I asked God for absolution from all my sins.I had no doubt that I would die”89. Younger students were protected by older kids and adults, and staff evacuated students “within seconds”47 by practicing lockdown drills.I had no doubt that I would die”89. Younger students were protected by older kids and adults, and staff evacuated students “within seconds”47 by practicing lockdown drills.
The Attacker: Robin Westman’s Background and Motive
Westman, who graduated from Annunciation in 2017, had a personal connection to the school. Their mother, Mary Grace Westman, worked there as an administrative assistant until her retirement in 202113. Police found no prior criminal history or mental health diagnoses but noted Westman’s “deranged obsession with previous mass shooters”.
Key findings from the investigation include:
Manifesto and Videos: Westman posted a timed manifesto on YouTube, which included detailed plans for the attack, sketches of the church layout, and messages filled with hate toward Catholics, Jewish people, and President Trump.
Weapons and Planning: The weapons were marked with racist and antisemitic messages. Notebooks reviewed by law enforcement revealed Westman had been planning the attack for over a month, considering targets like school break times or Christmas concerts.
Identity and Personal Struggles: Westman legally changed their name from Robert to Robin in 2020, with court documents stating the minor “identifies as a female.” Westman had recently experienced a breakup and worked briefly at a cannabis dispensary.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Victims and Community Response
Heartbreaking remarks were made by Harper Moyski’s and Fletcher Merkel’s families. Fletcher’s father urged the public to remember his son for “the person he was,” a joyful child who loved fishing and sports17. Harper’s family described her as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old” and called for legislative action to prevent gun violence.
The community held vigils, with mourners leaving flowers and stuffed animals outside the church56. Annunciation Church held its first Mass since the shooting on Saturday, where Reverend Dennis Zehren urged parishioners to “welcome the light of a new day” despite the darkness.
Political and Social Fallout
The shooting has reignited debates over gun control and mental health. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed for a ban on assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, stating, “These kids were literally praying… It’s on all of us to take necessary actions so this doesn’t happen again”57. However, political hurdles remain, as Republicans control Congress and the White House.
Frey also said, “Anyone using this to villainize our trans community has lost their sense of common humanity”13, warning against making the transgender community the victim of scapegoating.
Heroism and Prevention
Authorities credited the church’s policy of locking doors after Mass began with saving lives, as Westman attempted to barricade exits but could not enter the building45. A parishioner also guided a police officer to the source of the gunfire, preventing further carnage.
Broader Context
This shooting was the 44th school shooting in the U.S. in 2025 and the fourth deadly shooting in Minneapolis in less than 24 hours45.It comes after a violent summer in Minnesota, which included the June 4 murders of state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband.
Ongoing Questions
Why wasn’t Westman flagged? Despite extensive planning and online manifestos, Westman had no prior criminal record and did not appear on watchlists.
What prompted the attack? Officials believe Westman was motivated by a desire for notoriety and “pure hate” rather than a specific grievance.
Will this lead to policy changes? While Minnesota has implemented “red flag” laws and universal background checks, federal action remains unlikely.