Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis Shooting: Deliberate Attack Leaves 2 Children Dead, 17 Injured

A solemn Catholic Mass marking the first week of school at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis turned into a scene of horror on Wednesday morning, when a gunman opened fire on children and worshippers inside the church sanctuary.

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Two young children, aged 8 and 10, were killed. Seventeen others were injured, including 14 children between the ages of 6 and 14, several of whom are in critical condition, according to hospital officials and law enforcement. The suspect, a man in his early 20s, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the back of the church.

A Deliberate Attack

The attack began just before 8:30 a.m., as students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade were attending a Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, which is attached to the school on West 54th Street.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the gunman approached the church from the outside, blocked at least two doors using wooden beams, and then opened fire with a rifle through the windows, targeting children seated in the pews.

“He struck children and worshippers inside the building,” O’Hara said, describing the shooting as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children.” He confirmed that the suspect was also armed with a shotgun and a pistol, and that investigators believe all three weapons were fired.

The Victims and Emergency Response

Hennepin Healthcare, a nearby trauma center, received 11 patients from the scene—nine of them children and two adults. Dr. Thomas Wyatt, Chair of Emergency Medicine, said some children are in critical condition, and four required immediate surgery.

“This was an attack on children who were literally praying,” said Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who called the tragedy “unthinkable” and appealed for unity and compassion. “These were kids who should have been learning, playing, and laughing—not running for their lives in a church.”

The shooting marks the second mass casualty event in Minneapolis in less than 24 hours. However, police say there is no indication of a connection between the two.

Who Was the Shooter?

The gunman has not been formally identified but is believed to be in his early 20s with no extensive criminal history. Authorities have not yet determined a motive, and it remains unclear whether the shooter had any prior affiliation with the school as a student or staff member.

Chief O’Hara said police are investigating the possibility that the shooter may have intentionally targeted the school, but details remain limited. There is no ongoing threat to the public, and law enforcement has urged community members to stay clear of the area while the investigation continues.

What Happens Next

A reunification center for parents and guardians was set up at 525 West 54th Street, with counselors and support services present. The FBI and federal agents from the Department of Justice are assisting local police in the ongoing investigation.

President Donald J. Trump orders all flags of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds as a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/S9Q18udIwO

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 27, 2025

President Donald Trump, Governor Tim Walz, and several senior officials including FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pamela Bondi offered their condolences and pledged continued federal support.

“This is a trauma that will take years to heal, not days,” said Mayor Frey.

The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman. This info was shared by FBI Director Kash Patel hours after the shooting. 

(This is a developing story and more details may emerge, which will be added to this copy)