A school shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during a morning Mass.

 A school shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during a morning Mass.

Here's what is known about the incident:

Victims and Casualties:

 Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed.

Seventeen other people were injured, including 14 children (ages 6 to 15) and three adults in their 80s.

Authorities have stated that all of the injured are expected to survive.

The Shooter and The Attack:

 The gunman has been identified as Robin Westman, 23, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

Westman was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. He fired through the windows of the church from the outside, striking people who were seated in the pews.

 Police Chief Brian O'Hara called the shooting a "deliberate act of violence against innocent children."

Westman had legally purchased the weapons and had no significant prior criminal record.

 Investigators found a smoke bomb at the scene, and some doors of the church had been barricaded with a wooden plank.

 Westman's mother had previously worked as an administrative assistant at the church.

Law enforcement is investigating videos and writings that Westman allegedly posted online, which contained "extremely violent thoughts and ideas" and a sketch of the church.

Investigation and Motive:

 FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the bureau is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

 Some of the weapons used in the attack had messages written on them, including phrases like "NUKE INDIA," "ISRAEL MUST FALL," and "Kill Donald Trump."

The gender identity of the shooter has been mentioned in media reports, with court records from 2020 showing that Westman's name was changed from Robert to Robin, as the petitioner "identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification." Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has urged people not to villainize the transgender community in the wake of the tragedy.

Public Response:

President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. flag to be flown at half-staff nationwide.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that "thoughts and prayers" were not enough, saying, "These kids were literally praying."

The Pope, the first American to hold the position, sent his condolences to the victims and their families.