Introduction to the Annunciation Church Shooting
The Annunciation Church and School shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. FOX 9 has confirmed Westman’s mother previously worked at Annunciation. The shooter’s mother also applied to change her child’s name from Robert to Robin in Dakota County in 2019, according to court documents obtained by FOX 9. According to the name change filing, Westman identified "as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification."
Annunciation Minneapolis Shooting Suspect Robin Westman
Two children were killed, and 17 others were injured in a shooting Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic Church in what police are calling a deliberate act of violence. The suspect was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, and the suspect is believed to have fired all three into the church. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the suspect did not have an extensive criminal history and purchased all the guns legally, noting the suspect did purchase them "recently."
What We Know About the Shooting
Federal officials have referred to Westman as transgender, according to The Associated Press. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried hatred being directed at "our transgender community" during a news conference Wednesday morning. O’Hara said the suspect approached Annunciation Catholic Church on the exterior side of the building and began shooting through windows toward children and worshipers who were sitting in the pews during mass that was celebrating the first week of school. The suspect died by suicide in the parking lot.
Investigation and Motive
A motive is still under investigation, but O’Hara said Wednesday afternoon the suspect had a manifesto posted on YouTube that appeared to show the suspect at the scene and included some disturbing writings. The video has been taken down with help from the FBI and is under review by investigators. Police are executing four search warrants, one at the church where the crime occurred and three others at residences in the Twin Cities metro related to the shooter.
Reaction to the Shooting
"This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping," O’Hara said. "The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children, it’s absolutely incomprehensible." Minneapolis authorities held a press conference detailing the shooting at the Annunciation church and school in Minneapolis.
What We Know About Robin Westman
Westman attended St. Thomas Academy for freshman year. In 2019, Westman legally changed her name from Robert to Robin. According to the name change filing, Westman identified "as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification." Westman’s mom worked at Annunciation, but left the school in 2021.
Conclusion
The Annunciation Church shooting was a tragic event that resulted in the loss of two young lives and injured many others. The investigation into the motive behind the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. As the community comes together to heal and support the victims and their families, it is essential to remember the importance of addressing mental health and promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding.
FAQs
- Who was the shooter in the Annunciation Church shooting?
The shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. - How many people were killed and injured in the shooting?
Two children were killed, and 17 others were injured. - What was the motive behind the shooting?
The motive is still under investigation. - Did the shooter have any prior criminal history?
The suspect did not have an extensive criminal history. - How did the shooter obtain the guns used in the shooting?
The suspect purchased all the guns legally, noting the suspect did purchase them "recently."
