Tragedy Strikes Minneapolis Church During Student Mass. On August 27, 2025, a peaceful student Mass at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis turned into horror when a lone shooter opened fire, targeting children in their pews. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others were injured—14 of them children. Two remain in critical condition.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that the shooter, identified as Robin Westman, fired a rifle through the church’s stained glass windows. She also used a shotgun and a pistol during the attack. Westman, in her early 20s, is believed to have died at the scene. She had no serious criminal record but had posted disturbing content online, including hate symbols and violent messages.

A handwritten four-page manifesto was also found, describing years of mental illness, loneliness, and deep emotional pain. In the letter, she admitted her actions were wrong but said she couldn’t stop herself.

Fifth-grader Weston Halse recalled hiding under a pew during the shooting. “My friend Victor laid on top of me and got hit,” he said. “I was two seats away from the stained glass windows.” Halse was later locked in the gym for safety before being reunited with his mother. He said he was in shock but relieved his friend had survived and was taken to the hospital.

Carla Maldonado, a parent, described the terror of searching for her children. One was hiding in the basement; the other was found in the parking lot. “I feel grateful, but also incredibly sad and angry that this has to happen in schools,” she said. She emphasized how common school shootings have become and how no loss of life should ever be accepted as normal.

President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy on Truth Social, saying he had been fully briefed and was praying for the victims. He ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff until August 31 in honor of those killed and affected by the shooting.