Robin Westman Opens Fire at Annunciation Catholic Church and School
On August 27, 2025, Robin Westman, 23, committed an act of gun violence at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. He killed two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, and injured 18 other people, 15 of whomwhom were children. Westman died by suicide at the event.
Authorities Confirm Westman’s Motive
Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that Westman had a “deranged obsession with prior mass shooters” and a deep-seated hatred of multiple groups. Westman also expressed fantasies about mass-casualty incidents and confusion about being female or male, according to an online manifesto recovered by investigators.
Investigators Identify and Review Weapons and Evidence
Westman legally purchased firearms,, to include a Taurus semiautomatic pistol, a Mossberg shotgun, and a Magpul rifle. His items totalled 158 items; some of these included hard drives, gloves, a knife, and a potential smoke bomb device, indicating elaborate planning.
Mary Westman Gives Background on Family
Westman was previously known as Robert and experienced a legal name change in 2019 after transitioning to a woman. Mary Westman, Westman’s mother, worked as secretary at Annunciation Church until 2021.
Community mourns victims
The Minneapolis community is hurting after the attack. Families grieve the tragic loss of young lives, calling for urgent change associated with action on gun violence prevention and mental health.
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