The horrifying Minneapolis Catholic school shooting that left two children dead and more than a dozen injured has taken a chilling turn. The FBI has officially identified the suspected gunman as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who law enforcement is now investigating for domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Updates on the shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 27, 2025
The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
The… https://t.co/ErFZpSieKS
FBI Confirms Shooter’s Identity
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on X Wednesday afternoon that the shooter, born Robert Westman, acted alone in the brutal attack on Annunciation Catholic School. The assault unfolded just after 8:30 AM local time, during morning Mass at the pre-K through 8th-grade school.
Local outlets KARE and KSTP, as well as NBC News, confirmed the same identity, reporting that Westman had posted multiple violent videos online prior to the attack.
What Happened Inside the School
Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed disturbing details during a press conference:
- The gunman arrived dressed in all black, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and handgun.
- He opened fire through the windows of the school’s church, where children and parents were gathered.
- Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed instantly.
- At least 17 others were injured, including 14 children, with seven people in critical condition at local hospitals.
O’Hara confirmed the shooter fired dozens of rounds in the span of several minutes, plunging the school into chaos.
Motive Still Unclear
Though Westman’s online history points to violent ideologies, officials say the exact motive remains under investigation. Authorities are combing through his digital footprint to understand whether the attack was premeditated and whether others may have influenced his actions.
A City in Mourning
The tragedy has shaken Minneapolis to its core. Parents rushed to the school, desperate for updates. Mayor Jacob Frey urged the community to unite in grief and action, saying, “Children and parents should never live in fear of mass shootings at schools. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.”
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar also shared an emotional account on MSNBC, revealing that the daughter of one of her former employees witnessed her friends being shot inside the church.
What’s Next
The FBI is now leading the investigation alongside ATF, Minnesota State Patrol, and Minneapolis police. Patel confirmed the attack will be treated as both a domestic terrorism case and a religiously motivated hate crime.
As the city mourns, national leaders including Governor Tim Walz and President Donald Trump have issued statements, with the White House pledging to monitor the situation closely.
The Bottom Line
This is one of the deadliest school shootings in Minnesota’s history, and with the suspect now identified as Robin Westman, authorities are under pressure to deliver answers about how this tragedy could have been prevented.
💬 Your Turn: How should America respond to protect kids from attacks like this? Share your thoughts below.
