Man Identified in Minneapolis Shooter’s Video Breaks Silence

In the wake of unspeakable tragedy, a quest for answers and accountability unfolds in Minneapolis following a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. The horrific event on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others. Authorities have identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school, who died by suicide after the attack. The FBI has launched a domestic terrorism and hate crime investigation into the incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community.

The Tragedy Unfolds

Just before 8:30 a.m. on August 27, 2025, Robin Westman approached Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, opening fire on worshippers attending a morning Mass. According to news reports from The Associated Press, Westman fired dozens of rounds through the windows, targeting children and other parishioners. Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, all of which were legally purchased, as reported by FOX 9. After the attack, Westman died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

Victims and Response

The shooting resulted in the deaths of two children, aged 8 and 10. Seventeen others were injured, including 14 children aged 6 to 15 and three octogenarian parishioners, all of whom are expected to recover. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara is coordinating with the FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, and state and local officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, to manage the response and investigation, according to reports from CNN.

The Shooter: Robin Westman

Robin Westman, the 23-year-old assailant, was a former student of Annunciation Catholic School, graduating in 2017. Born Robert Westman, they legally changed their name in January 2020 and identified as female at the time, according to The Independent. Westman’s mother had previously worked at the church until 2021. Authorities have indicated that Westman had no extensive prior criminal history. A “manifesto” video created by Westman and released on YouTube just before the attack provides insight into their motives and mindset.

The “Manifesto” and Motives

The video, since removed from YouTube, reportedly displayed an arsenal of weapons and ammunition inscribed with disturbing phrases, as detailed by LADbible. These included messages like “kill Donald Trump,” “Where is your God?”, “Jew Gas,” and “6 million wasn’t enough.” The manifesto also referenced other mass shooters and contained a hand-drawn map of the church interior, revealing plans to target a “large group of kids in big assembly.” Authorities also discovered a smoke bomb and wooden planks used to barricade side doors at the scene, according to Yahoo News Canada.

The FBI is treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime specifically targeting Catholics. Westman’s writings and videos suggest a complex and disturbing mindset, including antisemitic undertones, a fascination with previous mass shooters, and anti-Christianity, anti-India, and anti-Jewish sentiments. Westman also expressed fears of vaping-linked cancer, which may have contributed to a troubled mental state, and the manifesto referenced suicide and a feeling of “no choice but to hate life,” as reported by The Mirror.

Community Impact and Aftermath

The shooting has had a profound impact on the Minneapolis community. Vigils have been held, and many children and parents are experiencing trauma. Local police and the FBI are conducting an extensive investigation, including reviewing Westman’s digital footprint and searching associated residences. Investigators have searched three residences linked to Westman, including a home less than a mile from the church.

Discussions on Gun Control and Mental Health

This tragedy has reignited discussions around gun control and mental health. Brandon Herrera, a gun rights activist, has publicly condemned the attack and distanced himself from Westman after being mentioned in the shooter’s video. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has spoken out against hatred directed at the transgender community following reports about Westman’s gender identity, according to The Times of India.

Seeking Accountability

As the investigation continues, the Minneapolis community is grappling with immense grief and seeking answers. The focus remains on understanding the motives behind this horrific act of violence and preventing future tragedies. The FBI’s domestic terrorism and hate crime investigation aims to uncover the full extent of Westman’s motivations and any potential connections to extremist ideologies. The community is also focused on supporting the victims and their families, providing counseling and resources to help them cope with the trauma. The search for accountability extends to examining existing gun control laws and mental health services, with the goal of identifying gaps and implementing measures to protect the community from future acts of violence.

The Annunciation Catholic School shooting is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of hate and violence. As Minneapolis mourns, the community is united in its determination to seek justice, support those affected, and work towards a safer future.