Minneapolis Church Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead and Several Injured in Suspected Hate Crime
Witnesses in Minneapolis have described “terrifying” scenes after a gunman opened fire on a church where children were attending Mass on Wednesday morning.
The attack left two children dead and 17 others injured, with authorities now investigating the incident as a potential anti-Catholic hate crime, according to the FBI.
Young Survivors Share Harrowing Experiences
One of the young survivors, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, recalled how his friend saved his life during the shooting.
“My friend Victor laid on top of me and protected me, but he got hit,” Weston told CBS affiliate WCCO. “He was taken to the hospital… I was so scared for him, but I think now he’s okay.”
Weston explained that while students practice active-shooter drills at school every month, they were unprepared for such an attack inside a church.
The Attacker and the Shooting
The gunman was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former pupil of the school attached to the Annunciation Church. According to reports, Westman’s mother had also worked at the school in the past.
Authorities say Westman used three firearms to fire dozens of rounds through the church’s windows and also left behind a smoke bomb at the scene. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed that he acted alone and left behind a manifesto, which was removed from YouTube with the FBI’s assistance.
Witness Accounts of Chaos and Fear
Locals initially mistook the gunfire for construction noise. Mike Garrity, who lives nearby, told NBC News: “I thought it was a nail gun.”
But as the scale of the violence became clear, neighbors and witnesses saw children fleeing the church covered in blood.
Patrick Scallen told the BBC he helped a young girl with a head wound: “She kept saying, ‘please hold my hand, don’t leave me.’ I told her I wasn’t going anywhere.”
Another neighbor, Madee Brandt, described the children’s expressions as haunting: “You see videos online, but it doesn’t compare to witnessing it in person. It was terrifying.”
Community Grieves and Leaders Respond
Hundreds gathered for a vigil on Wednesday evening to mourn the young victims and pray for the injured, many of whom are now expected to recover.
Parents expressed both relief and grief. Carla Maldonado, whose children were unharmed, said: “I feel such mixed emotions. I’m angry and sad that this is something schools have to face. Losing even one child is too much.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting as part of an “all too common” pattern of gun violence across the country. He confirmed that President Donald Trump offered condolences and ordered the White House flag to fly at half-mast.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, also shared his sorrow, saying he was “profoundly saddened” by the attack on young worshippers.
Investigation Continues
Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Westman had no significant prior criminal history. Investigators continue to search for answers regarding his motive but said early findings suggest a clear element of anti-Catholic hate.
Court documents revealed that Westman legally changed his name from Robert to Robin in 2020 to reflect a female identity.
The FBI and local authorities remain on high alert as the community comes to terms with yet another tragic mass shooting in the United States.