Minneapolis is reeling after a tragic shooting on Wednesday (August 27) left two children dead and at least 17 others wounded, in what authorities are calling one of the city’s darkest days.
The shooting unfolded outside Annunciation Catholic Church and school in south Minneapolis, where 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student, opened fire. Police confirmed that an eight-year-old and a 10-year-old were pronounced dead at the scene. Among the injured are 14 children and three adults, many of whom remain in hospital receiving treatment for their injuries.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said during an evening press conference that Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound shortly after the attack. Authorities have confirmed that Westman’s mother previously worked at the school before retiring in 2021.
Investigators also revealed that the suspect left behind a disturbing manifesto, shared in a now-deleted YouTube video, where they detailed what they planned to wear on the day of the shooting and expressed deep internal struggles, per the New York Post.
"I don't want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don't feel like a man … I really like my outfit," Westman wrote.
"I look pretty, smart and modest. I think I want to wear something like this for my shooting," Westman added. "I hate my face. I hate when I can see it. I don't want to be seen."
Elsewhere in the writings, Westman apologized to family and friends, acknowledging the pain their actions would cause but insisting they felt unable to carry their burden any longer.
"I don't expect forgiveness, and I don't expect any apology," they penned. "I have to hold much weight. But to my family and those close to me, I do apologise for the effects my actions will have on your lives.
"Please know I care for all of you so much, and it pains me to bring this storm of chaos into your lives. This will affect so many more people than the ones that are immediately involved."
The FBI has joined local law enforcement in the investigation, though officials stressed that the attack appears to have been carried out by a lone gunman. President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he had been briefed on the situation, writing (via The Hill): “The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. Please join me in praying for everyone involved.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also issued a statement, calling the shooting a “horrific act of violence” and offering prayers for the children, teachers, and families affected. “This should have been a week filled with excitement for the start of school. Instead, our community is facing heartbreak and loss,” he said, The Guardian reports.
Counselors and crisis response teams have been deployed to support families, staff, and students of the Annunciation community, with city leaders urging residents to come together in solidarity.
As Minneapolis mourns, the attack has renewed urgent conversations around school safety and mental health, leaving parents across the state shaken. For many, the question now is not only how such a tragedy could occur, but how to prevent it from ever happening again.