A tragic shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during a school Mass marking the first week of classes. In a deliberate and premeditated act of violence, 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire from outside the church, firing through stained-glass windows with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—killing two children (ages 8 and 10) and injuring 17 others, including 14 children and three elderly parishioners. Authorities recovered 116 rifle casings and multiple shotgun shells. Westman barricaded exterior doors with lumber before dying by suicide in the parking lot.

Investigators are treating the shooting as a potential hate crime and act of domestic terrorism. Westman, who reportedly had no prior criminal record and had attended the school, left behind disturbing writings, videos, and a manifesto that reflected violent ideation, ideological hatred toward Catholics and other groups, and an obsession with past mass shooters.

Local leaders responded with prayer vigils, counseling services, and security measures. They emphasized the importance of supporting victims, promoting mental health, and preventing further tragedies.