FBI Investigates Minneapolis School Shooting as Hate Crime, Identifies Suspect Robin Westman

A tragic shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis has left two children dead and 17 others injured, and the FBI has announced a full investigation into the incident as an anti-Catholic hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism. The attacker, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene, was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. The brutal attack has sent a wave of shock and grief through the local community and across the nation.

The Events of a Tragic Day

The shooting took place on Wednesday morning as children were attending Mass to mark the start of the new school term. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the suspect approached the side of the church, which also houses a school for students aged 5 to 14. Using a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, the individual fired dozens of shots through the windows, showing a “sheer cruelty and cowardice” that O’Hara called “absolutely incomprehensible.”

Amidst the chaos, countless stories of bravery and heroism emerged. A neighbor, Patrick Scallen, ran towards the sound of gunfire and comforted a young girl with a head wound, holding her hand and reassuring her he wouldn’t leave. A 10-year-old boy who survived the attack told a local news affiliate that his friend, Victor, saved his life by lying on top of him and taking a bullet in the back. These acts of courage stand in stark contrast to the violence that unfolded.

A Hate Crime Investigation and a Community in Shock

Following the attack, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. The tragic incident has drawn a strong and compassionate response from leaders around the world, including Pope Leo XIV, who expressed his profound sadness for the victims.

The Minneapolis community has been left reeling. A steady stream of mourners have gathered at the scene, leaving flowers and expressing their shared grief and anger. In a press conference, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pushed back against hateful rhetoric in the wake of the tragedy, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Patel both identified the suspect as “a male” in their public statements. Condolences and offers of assistance have also been sent from President Donald Trump and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who ordered the US flag to be flown at half-mast.

Key Details of the Suspect and Investigation

Authorities have identified the suspect as Robin Westman, a 23-year-old whose mother, Mary Grace Westman, previously worked at the Annunciation school. Court records show that the attacker, whose name was legally changed from Robert to Robin in 2020, had scheduled a note to be published online at the time of the shooting. While authorities have not released a suspected motive, the FBI’s investigation into the shooting as an anti-Catholic hate crime and domestic terrorism suggests they are looking for a clear motive behind the violence. The note was quickly deleted from the internet by investigators, who continue their work to understand the full scope of the tragedy.