A gunman opened fire at a church in Minneapolis on Wednesday, killing two children and injuring 18 others in what authorities are calling a premeditated act of domestic terrorism. The suspect, identified as Robin Westman, 23, fired through the stained-glass windows of the Annunciation Catholic Church just after 8:30 a.m., as children and teachers gathered for the first Mass of the school year.
Police said Westman, dressed in black and armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, targeted the most vulnerable. Two children, aged 8 and 10, died at the scene, while 15 children aged 6 to 15 and three parishioners in their 80s were injured. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot as law enforcement arrived. The victims were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated that there was 'some degree of planning' behind the attack, noting that the shooter had visited the church within the past three months and likely intended to enter but could not because the doors were locked. 'What's particularly heinous and cowardly about this is these children were slaughtered by a gunman who could not see them,' O'Hara said.
The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics. Acting US Attorney for Minnesota Joseph Thompson said the shooter saw the attack as a way to 'terrorize as many people as possible.' Investigators are reviewing writings and online videos in which Westman expressed hatred toward several groups and an obsession with other mass killers.
Court documents reveal that Westman, formerly known as Robert, legally changed their name in 2020 after identifying as a woman. Westman had no criminal history and had worked at a medical cannabis dispensary until mid-August. The weapons used in the attack were lawfully purchased. Officials recovered 120 shell casings from the scene.
