USA
Two Children Killed in Minneapolis Church Shooting: ‘An Unimaginable Tragedy’
Two schoolchildren were killed and 17 injured when a 23-year-old opened fire through church windows in Minneapolis. The local community is in shock—and once again, the US is confronted with its deadly reality of school shootings.
The Massacre During Mass
On Wednesday morning, a Catholic school in Minneapolis was transformed into a nightmare. During a service at Annunciation Catholic School, 23-year-old Robin Westman fired shots through the church windows while children and teachers sat in the pews.
Two students, only 8 and 10 years old, were killed instantly. Another 17 people—including 14 children—were injured but are expected to survive.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the incident “an act of pure evil against defenseless children.”
![]()
Read also:
A City in Mourning and Shock
Several children survived only by chance. Fifth grader Weston Halsne told American media how his friend was hit while he managed to escape:
“The shots were right next to me. I think I got some gunpowder on my neck,” he said.
Local hospitals reported overflowing emergency rooms as priests and parents gathered outside the church in prayer.
The Perpetrator and Motive
Westman brought a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun—all purchased legally. Police later found additional weapons in related residences. The FBI has classified the attack as both a hate crime and domestic terrorism since the school is Catholic.
An online manifesto—now removed—revealed depressive thoughts, political tirades, and a fascination with previous school shootings.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that the tragedy “must not be used to stigmatize transgender people or other minorities.”
America’s Bloody School Year Continues
The shooting is the 146th school shooting in the US in 2025—a number underscoring an unbearable epidemic of violence. Despite new security procedures, the attack shows how vulnerable schools remain when perpetrators find alternative methods, such as firing through church windows.
President Donald Trump has ordered flags at half-staff across the country. But for families in Minneapolis, the grief goes far beyond symbolism—a community has been torn apart, and the aftermath is a struggle to understand how this could have happened.
Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.
![]()
Read also: