Two Children Killed in Minneapolis School Shooting; CNN's Tapper Draws Criticism Over Pronoun Focus

Minneapolis, MN – A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of two children, aged 8 and 10, and left 17 others injured, including 14 students and three adults. The assailant, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident occurred during morning Mass, prompting widespread grief and calls for clarity.

The victims, whose names have not been fully released, were attending Mass when Westman reportedly fired from outside the church before entering and continuing the attack. All injured individuals are expected to survive. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

Amidst the breaking news coverage, CNN anchor Jake Tapper drew significant criticism for his focus on the shooter's gender identity and preferred pronouns. During a live segment, Tapper interrupted correspondent Brian Todd to clarify, stating, "But since she identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification was underage, it's now Robin Westman." This prompted strong reactions from public figures, including U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Texas), who posted on X:

"A deranged killer slaughters innocent children. CNN’s Jake Tapper: But did we use the right pronouns? Let’s not misgender them. Babies are DEAD and this is how CNN responds. This is how broken the Left has become."

Records indicate that Westman, born Robert Paul Westman, had their name legally changed to Robin in 2019 at the mother's petition to reflect gender identity. However, reports from outlets like BizPacReview indicate that Westman's manifesto, published prior to the attack, contained statements disavowing a transgender identity. In the manifesto, Westman reportedly wrote, "I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself." This detail adds a complex layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding the shooter's identity.

Further complicating the narrative, the shooter's mother, Mary Grace Westman, has reportedly refused to cooperate with police and has retained legal counsel. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed her non-cooperation. Past police reports from 2018 also indicate a "mental health" check at a residence linked to Westman. The broader conversation around mental health and mass violence has also seen U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. announce studies into psychiatric medications like SSRIs, a move that drew sharp criticism from some, including Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith.