MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Diya TV) — A gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School during a back-to-school Mass on Wednesday, killing two children and injuring 17 others, authorities said. The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Police said Westman used a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, all purchased legally, and attempted to barricade exits with a wooden plank.
Westman was assigned male at birth as Robert Westman but legally changed their name in 2021 to reflect a female identity. Authorities noted that Westman’s mother previously worked at the school.
Investigators also found a pre-scheduled manifesto and disturbing videos online. One video showed Westman holding guns marked with messages such as “Kill Donald Trump” and anti-Black, antisemitic, and anti-God slurs. Another video included laughter while referencing mass shooters, and a journal written in Cyrillic revealed deeply troubling ideology.
Weapons used in the attack featured slogans such as “Burn Israel” and “6 million wasn’t enough,” referencing the Tree of Life synagogue shooter. The weapons also displayed the phrase “Nuke India,” marking the first known instance of domestic terror explicitly targeting India or Hindus. Experts warn that this reflects Westman’s broad spectrum of hate.
Political commentator Laura Loomer noted the shooter’s rhetoric extended beyond anti-Catholic sentiment, targeting Jews, Christians, and Hindus. “Israel haters like the shooter today in Minnesota don’t just hate Jews. They hate Christians, Catholics, and Hindus too,” she said.
Authorities have not released a confirmed motive. Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping,” calling it “absolutely incomprehensible.”
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow for the victims. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey warned against directing hatred at the transgender community in the wake of the shooting. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel referred to Westman as male in official statements. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said President Donald Trump had expressed condolences and offered assistance. Trump later ordered the U.S. flag flown at half-staff to honor the victims.
The shooting began just before 8 a.m. Westman fired dozens of shots through the church’s windows. Police found a smoke bomb at the scene but said no casings were recovered inside, indicating shots may have been fired from outside.
Neighbors described scenes of chaos. Patrick Scallen told the BBC he saw children fleeing the building, including a girl with a head wound. A 10-year-old survivor told CBS affiliate WCCO that his friend saved him by lying on top of him during the shooting.
The victims included two children, ages 8 and 10, and 17 others who were injured—14 students and three elderly parishioners. The church also houses the school, which teaches students aged 5 to 14.
Experts say the attack is part of a broader trend of extremism online. A Stop AAPI Hate report documented a 75 percent increase in anti-South Asian hate speech in early 2025, mostly targeting Indians. Extremist forums saw a 122 percent rise in anti-Indian slurs.
Online hate has translated into real-world violence. California’s “CA vs Hate” hotline recorded anti-Hindu bias in 23.3 percent of religiously motivated reports. FBI data for 2024 shows 25 anti-Hindu hate crimes, down slightly from 32 in the previous year, though activists warn these numbers underestimate the problem. Temple desecrations and bias incidents continued across the U.S., with local officials often excluding Hindus in public statements.
The Minneapolis shooting underscores growing domestic threats fueled by hate and online extremism. Authorities continue to investigate Westman’s motivations and the broader network of violent ideologies. Communities mourn the victims while grappling with the rising challenge of preventing hate-driven attacks.
