2 Children Killed in Minneapolis Catholic School Attack, 17 People Injured

An active shooter opened fire on a Catholic school’s morning mass in Minneapolis Wednesday (August 27, 2025), killing two children ages 8 and 10. Officials say 17 other people were injured in the attack, and the suspect reportedly died on scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Minneapolis Police responded to reports of an active shooter at Annunciation Church and School at around 8:30 a.m.

City officials said in a statement the shooter approached the church from the side and started firing through the windows. At some point the shooter also entered the church and was found deceased inside, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A total of 19 people were shot. The victims included the two deceased children, 14 injured children ranging in age from 6 to 16, and three injured adults in their 80s, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said during an afternoon news conference. All of the injured are expected to survive.

O’ Hara identified the suspect as 23-year-old Robin Westman. He said the suspect had a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. The suspect is believed to have acted alone.

The suspect reportedly released a manifesto on YouTube before the attack. The manifesto has been taken down, O’Hara said, thanking the FBI for their assistance.

O’Hara said investigators are examining the manifesto and he could not discuss motive for the attack. Four search warrants have been filed in the case, including one for the church and one each for three residences related to the suspect.

Annunciation School Principal Matt DeBoer said the school’s staff “ducked the small children under the pews” and the older children protected the younger children.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said the attack could have been “much, much worse” and he praised the city’s police officers for running toward the danger.