A gunman opened fire on a Catholic church in Minneapolis this morning, killing two children and injuring 17 other people, including 14 more children, in a brazen and horrifying attack that shattered a sacred space and left a community in shock. The assailant, who reportedly shot through the windows of the church as a Mass was underway, was later found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic Church, which is attached to a school. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the gunman, armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, approached the side of the building and fired dozens of rounds through the windows, aiming at children and adults gathered inside. The victims, including an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old who were killed, were sitting in the pews during a service to mark the first week of school.
“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” Chief O’Hara said at a press conference, his voice thick with emotion. He confirmed that the shooter, an individual in their early 20s with no extensive criminal history, acted alone.
The scene, described by first responders as chaotic, was one of pure terror. Parishioners dove for cover, teachers shielded children, and frantic parents rushed to the school to find their children. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey lamented that the violence had forever changed the city and the families affected. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers right now,” Frey said. “These kids were literally praying.”
Hospitals across the city were overwhelmed with the injured. Hennepin Healthcare confirmed it had received 10 patients, including eight children and two adults. Seven of the patients were in critical condition. Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed it had admitted seven children. Officials said later in the day that all of the remaining victims are expected to survive.
As police swept the area and launched a full-scale investigation, the motive for the attack remained unknown. The gunman, who was identified as Robin Westman, had reportedly published a manifesto on social media, which is now being reviewed by law enforcement. The incident, however, has once again reignited the national debate over gun control and the safety of public places.
For now, the community of Annunciation is grappling with a profound sense of loss. A vigil was held tonight, with families and community members gathering to mourn the dead and pray for the injured. The violation of a sanctuary on what should have been a normal day has left a deep scar on the city, and a somber reminder of a nation still struggling to find peace.