In the wake of the Minneapolis school tragedy, details are emerging about the shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, also known as Robert Westman, and the disturbing content he posted online prior to the horrific event at Annunciation Catholic School. The shooting, which occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 18 others, prompting a large-scale investigation and community-wide mourning.
The Annunciation Catholic School Shooting
The tragic incident unfolded around 8:30 a.m. when Westman opened fire on students attending morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, according to the City of Minneapolis. Two students, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and a 10-year-old, were killed. Fifteen other children, aged 6 to 15, and three adult parishioners in their 80s were also injured. Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Minneapolis Police Department has increased patrols around all schools and places of worship in the city and surrounding metro area in response to the shooting.
Shooter’s Online Presence
Prior to the attack, Westman allegedly posted disturbing videos on a now-removed YouTube channel. These videos contained weapons, ammunition, handwritten notes, and commentary from the shooter, according to reports from Fox News and TIME. One video mentioned Brandon Herrera, a Second Amendment activist, YouTuber, and Texas Republican congressional candidate. Westman stated, “Brandon Herrera for president. Yeah, I met Brandon Herrera at SHOT Show last year and he and I had a conversation, a brief conversation, we agreed on a lot of things, so y’all should vote for Brandon Herrera for president.”
Brandon Herrera’s Response
Herrera has since condemned the shooting as a “hateful and senseless act.” He stated he does not recall meeting Westman and is fully cooperating with the FBI, according to The Texas Tribune. Herrera’s swift denouncement highlights the sensitivity surrounding the incident and the importance of distancing oneself from such acts of violence.
Investigation and Motives
Investigators are working to determine a specific motive for the shooting. Preliminary findings from Westman’s writings and videos reveal a “deranged fascination” with mass shooters, a desire for notoriety, and an obsession with killing children, as reported by ITV News. The writings also expressed hatred towards various groups, including Black people, Mexican people, Christian people, and Jewish people.
Act of Domestic Terrorism
The FBI is investigating the incident as an “act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” according to CBS News. Disturbing messages such as “Kill Donald Trump” and “Nuke India” were found inscribed on the shooter’s weapons and magazines. These messages underscore the extremist views held by Westman and the potential motivations behind his violent actions.
Shooter’s Connection to the Church
Authorities confirmed that Westman’s mother had worked at the church until 2021, and Westman had attended the school and mass there. This connection adds another layer of complexity to the investigation, as authorities seek to understand the shooter’s relationship with the church and any potential grievances he may have held.
Community Impact and Response
The impact of this tragedy has been profound. The community is grappling with immense grief and shock. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted that the church’s locked doors during Mass likely prevented a far worse outcome, as Westman attempted to barricade exits and enter the building but failed. This detail, reported by KARE11.com, underscores the importance of security measures in places of worship and schools.
Calls for Action
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other officials have called for concrete action on gun violence, emphasizing that “thoughts and prayers” are not enough. This sentiment, echoed by The Independent, reflects a growing demand for policy changes and preventative measures to address the root causes of gun violence in the United States.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement continues to sift through “hundreds of pieces of evidence,” including Westman’s digital footprint and writings, to fully understand the events leading up to the shooting. The Guardian reports that the investigation is focused on uncovering any potential accomplices or warning signs that may have been missed.
The Minneapolis school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School has left a community devastated and searching for answers. The ongoing investigation into Robin Westman’s motives and online activity aims to shed light on the factors that led to this tragedy, while the community grapples with grief and calls for meaningful action to prevent future acts of violence.
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