Tragic Shooting in Minneapolis Leaves Children Dead
The community of Minneapolis is in shock after a mass shooting claimed the lives of two children and left at least 17 others injured during morning mass at Annunciation Roman Catholic Church. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the suspect has been identified as 22-year-old Robin Westman.
Westman was found dead in the back of the church parking lot from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. “The coward who fired these shots ultimately took his own life,” O’Hara stated. Police believe Westman acted alone and confirmed he had no prior criminal record.
Early reports reveal disturbing details about Westman’s obsession with violence. Sources told The New York Post that just hours before the shooting, a 20-minute YouTube video linked to him showed pages of a red notebook with illegible scrawls, alongside what looked like gun diagrams. The person flipping through the pages coughed, giggled maniacally, and occasionally let smoke drift across the frame.
For more context on how violence has affected U.S. communities, read our coverage of recent mass tragedies here (internal link).
Weapon Engravings and Disturbing Online Content
Authorities are now digging into the suspect’s digital footprint. Reports highlight disturbing images from his videos that suggest an unhealthy fascination with mass shooters. Some of his firearms allegedly carried chilling engravings like “for the children” and “kill Donald Trump.”
Investigators are analyzing the videos and the red notebook in hopes of piecing together Westman’s motive. While the full meaning behind his writings remains unclear, the symbolism has sparked outrage and concern online. Social media users have also circulated documents alleging his mother once worked at the school but is now retired.
Inside the Horrific Attack
On Wednesday morning, shortly before 8:30 a.m., Westman allegedly positioned himself outside the church and opened fire through the stained-glass windows with multiple weapons, including a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol.Two young children, ages 8 and 10, were killed as they sat in the pews. Seventeen others, also attending mass, were left injured. Families and parishioners ran for safety while police rushed to the scene.
“This should have been a sacred, peaceful morning for kids in their first week of school,” O’Hara emphasized, urging the community to stay united as authorities continue their investigation.
