Two Children Killed in Minneapolis School Shooting; Shooter's Weapons Bear Antisemitic and Extremist Messages

Minneapolis, Minnesota – A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 other individuals. The assailant, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during a morning Mass, with authorities now investigating the incident as a hate crime. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting widespread grief and calls for action.

Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the stained-glass windows of the church, striking children and worshippers inside. Two children, aged eight and ten, were killed, while 14 other children and three adults sustained injuries, with some in critical condition. The shooter died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Disturbing antisemitic and extremist messages were found scrawled on Westman's weapons and in a digital manifesto. These included phrases such as "6 million wasn't enough," "Burn Israel," "Jew Gas," and "Destroy HIAS," alongside "Kill Donald Trump" and "Nuke India." Investigators also noted Westman's admiration for other mass killers, including Adam Lanza of Sandy Hook.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Westman legally purchased the firearms recently and had no known criminal history. Mayor Jacob Frey expressed profound sorrow, urging the public not to "villainize our trans community" in the wake of the tragedy, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the victims and their families.