The two children killed in Wednesday's shooting at a Minneapolis church have been identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. The attack, which occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church adjacent to Annunciation Catholic School, also left 15 children aged 6 to 15 and three parishioners in their 80s injured. The shooter, Robin Westman, 23, died from a self-inflicted gunshot as police arrived.
Westman, who legally changed their name from Robert in 2020, fired through stained-glass windows as children and teachers gathered for the first Mass of the school year. Police Chief Brian O'Hara stated the attack showed 'some degree of planning' and that the shooter intended to 'terrorize as many people as possible.' The FBI is investigating the incident as domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics.
Westman had no criminal history and had attended Annunciation Church and school previously. They graduated from Southwest High School in 2021 and worked at a medical cannabis dispensary until August 16. Authorities are reviewing writings and videos left by Westman, which reportedly express hatred toward several groups and an obsession with other mass killers.
The weapons used—a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—were lawfully purchased. Officials found 120 shell casings at the scene. The motive remains under investigation, but authorities believe the shooter targeted children, having visited the church in the past three months. The church's locked doors prevented entry, leading Westman to fire through windows.
