Minneapolis School Shooting: What We Know About the Attack

Written by: Keya Gambhir

A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis has left families and an entire community in grief. On Wednesday morning, during a school Mass, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school, opened fire from outside the church. Two children were killed and 18 others injured before the attacker died by suicide.

The Attack

Investigators say Westman fired more than 120 rounds, mostly from an AR-15-style rifle loaded with 5.56x45mm ammunition, the same type used by the U.S. military. She also carried a 9mm handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun, though most of the shots came from the rifle. Smoke canisters found near a church doorway suggest she may have planned to trap people inside.

The victims were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, both students at Annunciation. Their classmates and teachers are remembering them as kind and full of energy. Hospitals reported that most survivors were children: Children’s Minnesota admitted seven patients ages 9–16, six of whom have since been released, while Hennepin County Medical Center is treating six more victims, including one child who remains in critical condition.

Who Was the Attacker?

Police identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin W. Westman, who attended Annunciation through eighth grade and whose mother once worked at the school. She legally changed her name from Robert to Robin in 2019.

Westman was staying with a friend after a recent breakup and had taken her father’s van to the attack. Inside the vehicle, officers found personal documents and a cell phone. At family homes, investigators seized a tactical vest, notebooks, and computer storage devices.

As an adult, Westman worked at a medical cannabis dispensary and sometimes sold handmade skateboard accessories at local markets. Acquaintances described her as friendly and talkative, but diaries and videos left behind painted a different picture: of someone hiding deep pain and fascination with mass shootings. These writings revealed years of obsession dating back to middle school and months of preparation specifically targeting the school Mass.

Signs From the Past

Former teachers remember Westman as artistic but struggling. One recalled noticing scars suggesting self-harm and tried to support her. “Being odd isn’t a red flag,” the teacher later said, “but self-harm is always a sign something is wrong.”

Police records show that in 2018, officers responded to a mental health call at her home. Still, Westman had no criminal record and passed background checks to buy her firearms legally.

Questions About Safety and the Law

Minnesota has a “red flag law” that allows family members, prosecutors, or senior police officials to ask a court to temporarily remove firearms from someone deemed dangerous. However, no one ever filed such a request for Westman. Despite her troubling history, she legally purchased all three of her weapons.

These circumstances are fueling debate over gun laws, background checks, and how to intervene when someone shows signs of crisis.

A Community in Mourning

Outside Annunciation, families have created a growing memorial of flowers, crosses, and handwritten notes. Vigils across Minneapolis have drawn crowds who gather to honor Fletcher and Harper, pray for survivors, and support grieving families.

Teachers were praised for quickly helping children escape, and first responders for rushing into danger to prevent further harm. Community leaders and counselors are now working closely with families and students to provide support and healing.

Looking Ahead

The investigation continues as authorities review Westman’s journals, videos, and seized devices to better understand her planning. For many, the tragedy is also a call to strengthen mental health resources, improve community awareness of warning signs, and reassess safety in schools and places of worship.

A Reminder of Hope

Even amid the devastation, stories of courage have emerged: teachers shielding students, neighbors helping one another, and first responders saving lives. At vigils, parents and leaders have emphasized unity.

“Our kids need to see that we are stronger than violence,” one parent said.

For young readers and anyone struggling, it’s important to remember: if you or someone you know ever feels hopeless or unsafe, you can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to connect with help right away.