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Two children aged eight and ten were killed in a brutal shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025. Seventeen others, including 14 children, were injured when the attacker opened fire through the windows of the church, which also serves as a Catholic school. The incident sparked nationwide grief and outrage.

Police received emergency calls around 8:30 a.m. local time. The attacker, 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, fired multiple rounds using a semi-automatic rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun. He shot into the stained-glass windows of the church while mass was taking place. Witnesses said the shooter also used a smoke bomb to spread panic.

Children attending the service were caught in the gunfire. A 10-year-old boy said he survived because his friend, Victor, shielded him with his body. “My friend saved me by lying on top of me, but he got shot in the back. He’s at the hospital now, and I think he’ll be okay,” the boy told CBS affiliate WCCO.

Authorities confirmed that of the 17 injured, seven children were in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery. Doctors say all survivors are expected to recover. Victims were taken to Hennepin County Medical Center and Children’s Minnesota.

The two children who died were elementary school students sitting near the front rows of the church. The tragedy has left hundreds of classmates traumatized.

Robin Westman, who legally changed his name from Robert Paul Westman in 2020, had no significant criminal history. However, investigators discovered an online note he had scheduled for publication at the time of the attack. Alongside it, the FBI removed several YouTube videos showing extremist writings, antisemitic and anti-Catholic rhetoric, and even weapon footage marked with hateful slogans.

Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, previously worked as a parish secretary at Annunciation until 2021, raising speculation about a personal link to the attack.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Investigators are also examining whether the shooter had been radicalized online. “This was more than just a crime. There was a clear message of hatred directed at a faith community,” Patel said.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “sheer cruelty and cowardice” for targeting children and worshippers. “The incomprehensible act of firing into a church full of kids defies humanity,” he added.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged resilience, declaring that “Minnesotans will not step away after this tragedy.” President Donald Trump also expressed condolences and ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff at the White House until the end of the week to honor the victims.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed critics who deride “thoughts and prayers.” He stated, “These children were literally praying when they were gunned down. They deserve more than words of sympathy.”

The shooting reignited debates over gun control laws in the United States. Catholic leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, offered condolences and spiritual support, emphasizing that “violence can never be the answer.”

Hundreds of Minneapolis residents gathered outside Annunciation for vigils, lighting candles and praying for the victims and their families. The community united in mourning and called for justice.

The Minneapolis shooting stands as one of the most horrifying attacks on a Catholic school in recent memory. The FBI continues its probe into the shooter’s motives and extremist ties. The incident is a painful reminder of how hate-fueled violence can devastate communities.

Read also Olam News’ in-depth analysis of America’s ongoing gun violence crisis to better understand the broader struggle the nation faces.

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