He planned it all… and left behind a chilling manifesto.
A horrifying tragedy unfolded in Minneapolis, where a shooter’s dark intentions were revealed through disturbing writings and videos posted online. What drove someone to commit such an unthinkable act against innocent children during a church Mass? The answers might lie in the cryptic messages now under FBI scrutiny. Click to uncover the shocking details of this heartbreaking story.
👉 Read more here
On the morning of August 27, 2025, the quiet community surrounding Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was shattered by a devastating act of violence. A 23-year-old shooter, identified as Robin Westman, opened fire through the stained-glass windows of the church during a morning Mass, killing two children, aged 8 and 10, and injuring 17 others, including 14 children and three elderly parishioners. The suspect, who died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left behind a chilling manifesto and a series of online videos that have sparked intense scrutiny and debate. These materials, described by Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara as containing “disturbing writings,” offer a glimpse into the mind of the shooter and raise urgent questions about motive, mental health, and the broader societal implications of such acts.
The Tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School
The attack took place just before 8:30 a.m. during a Mass celebrating the first week of the school year at Annunciation Catholic School, a tight-knit institution in southwest Minneapolis. Children from the school, ranging in age from 6 to 15, were seated in the pews alongside elderly parishioners when Westman began firing from outside the church. The shooter, armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, sprayed dozens of rounds through the windows, targeting the innocent worshippers inside. The sheer brutality of the act, described by Chief O’Hara as “incomprehensible cruelty,” left the community reeling.
Two children were pronounced dead at the scene, while 17 others were injured, with two in critical condition. The swift response of school staff, who threw themselves over children to shield them, and the bravery of first responders likely prevented an even greater loss of life. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the heroic actions of the school’s “dream team” staff, noting that their courage saved countless lives. A 10-year-old survivor, Weston Halsne, recounted how his friend Victor saved him by lying on top of him, taking a bullet in the process.
The shooter, later identified as Robin Westman, had ties to the school. Westman graduated from Annunciation in 2017, and their mother, Mary Grace Westman, worked as a parish secretary at the school from 2016 to 2021. These connections have fueled speculation about the shooter’s motives, though authorities have yet to confirm a definitive reason for the attack. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is investigating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The Manifesto and Online Videos
Central to the investigation is a manifesto Westman allegedly timed to be released on YouTube during the attack. Described as a collection of “disturbing writings,” the manifesto was accompanied by a series of videos that showcased Westman’s arsenal of weapons and provided a haunting window into their mindset. These videos, which have since been removed from YouTube with FBI assistance, included a 20-minute clip of Westman flipping through a handwritten notebook filled with ramblings in English, Cyrillic script, and Russian. The notebook contained hand-drawn diagrams of the church, a shooting target with an image of Jesus, and references to notorious mass shooters, including Adam Lanza, who killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012.
In one particularly chilling video, Westman was heard giggling maniacally while muttering phrases like “I wanna kill myself” and displaying firearms with disturbing messages scrawled on them. Some magazines bore inscriptions such as “for the children,” “where is your God,” and “kill Donald Trump.” Others referenced antisemitic slurs, the Holocaust, and past mass shooters, including Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people in a Pittsburgh synagogue in 2018. The videos also showed a piece of wood marked “no escape,” which Westman reportedly used to barricade a church exit, trapping victims inside.
The manifesto itself, partially addressed to Westman’s family and friends, expressed deep self-hatred and a desire to die. One excerpt read, “I was corrupted by this world and have learned to hate what life is,” while another stated, “I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away.” The writings also revealed an obsession with mass shootings and a fascination with figures like Lanza, whom Westman described as a source of “morbid” inspiration from a young age. These materials, now under active review by law enforcement, are being analyzed to uncover the shooter’s motives and potential influences.
A Community in Mourning
The attack has left Minneapolis and the broader Catholic community in a state of shock and grief. Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis and St. Paul received a telegram from Pope Leo XIV, who expressed “heartfelt condolences” and prayed for the victims, their families, and the first responders. The school’s principal, Matt DeBoer, spoke at a press conference, emphasizing the theme of hope drawn from Jeremiah 29, even as he acknowledged the profound pain of the tragedy. “There’s nothing about today that can fill us with hope,” he said, “but our staff and students showed incredible bravery.”
Parents and survivors shared heart-wrenching accounts of the chaos. Shea McAdaragh, a parent at the church, described hearing screams of “Oh my God” as the gunfire erupted. His second-grade son was unharmed, but others were not so fortunate. Thirteen-year-old Endre Gunter, shot in the stomach, survived thanks to the quick actions of a Minneapolis police officer who comforted him and prayed with him before he was taken to the hospital. The community has rallied to support the victims, with vigils held and flowers placed at the school’s entrance.
The Broader Context: Motives and Societal Implications
The investigation into Westman’s motives is ongoing, with authorities cautious about drawing conclusions prematurely. The manifesto and videos suggest a complex mix of personal despair, ideological influences, and possible mental health struggles. Westman’s legal name change in 2020, from Robert to Robin, and their identification as female have sparked heated discussions, particularly in light of Mayor Frey’s plea to avoid “villainizing” the transgender community. Frey’s comments, made during a press conference, emphasized the need for compassion and unity, stating, “Those attacking transgender people have lost their sense of common humanity.”
The shooter’s references to mass shooters, antisemitic tropes, and political figures like Donald Trump have raised concerns about the role of online subcultures and extremist rhetoric in fueling such acts. Some videos appeared to praise gun rights activist Brandon Herrera, though Herrera quickly condemned the shooter, expressing disgust at being mentioned. The National Police Association has called for further study of mass shootings involving transgender suspects, citing a need to understand patterns of violence, though this has drawn criticism for potentially stigmatizing a marginalized group.
The legally purchased firearms used in the attack have also reignited debates about gun control. Chief O’Hara noted that the weapons—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—were acquired recently, raising questions about how Westman, with no significant criminal history, was able to amass such an arsenal. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in a statement, expressed grief and pledged to provide updates as the investigation progresses, while former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton issued statements of condolence.
Moving Forward: Healing and Prevention
As Minneapolis grapples with the aftermath, the focus is shifting to healing and prevention. The FBI’s investigation into the attack as a hate crime and act of domestic terrorism underscores the need to address targeted violence against religious communities. The shooter’s ties to the school and their mother’s former employment there suggest a personal connection that may have influenced the choice of target, though this remains unconfirmed.
Mental health support for survivors, first responders, and the broader community is a priority. The city has mobilized resources, including the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988), to assist those in distress. Interfaith chaplains and local leaders are working to provide comfort, while schools across the region are reevaluating security measures.
The Minneapolis shooting is a stark reminder of the challenges facing society in preventing such tragedies. The manifesto and videos left by Westman offer a troubling glimpse into a mind consumed by darkness, but they also highlight the need for better understanding of mental health crises, online radicalization, and the accessibility of firearms. As the investigation continues, the community is left to mourn, reflect, and seek ways to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Conclusion
The Annunciation Catholic School shooting has left an indelible mark on Minneapolis, a city now grappling with grief and searching for answers. The manifesto and videos left by Robin Westman provide a disturbing puzzle that investigators are working to piece together. While the full motive may remain elusive, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for dialogue on mental health, gun violence, and the impact of toxic online subcultures. For now, the community holds tight to hope, honoring the memory of the two young lives lost and supporting those who survived.