A peaceful school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis turned tragic on August 27, 2025,
when an unexpected incident left two children dead and others injured. Authorities said 17 people were impacted,
including 14 students. The area was secured quickly as emergency crews and officials rushed to respond.
Police identified the suspect as 20-year-old local resident Robin Westman, who had previously posted troubling writings online
expressing distress and isolation. A note recovered at the scene expressed regret and offered an apology to loved ones.
Inside the church, fifth-grader Weston Halse recalled the chaos, saying he was “two seats away from the stained glass windows” and felt
“super happy” to reunite with his mother afterward. Parents crowded the scene, some in tears as they searched
for their children. Carla Maldonado, whose two children were unharmed, expressed gratitude mixed with
sorrow: “I’m incredibly grateful… and also just incredibly sad this even has to happen in schools.”
President Donald Trump ordered flags flown at half-staff through August 31 and called for national prayer in remembrance of the victims.
Across the country, communities are sending prayers and support as Minneapolis mourns and begins to heal.