In a tragic incident, two children were killed and 17 people were injured in an attack on a Catholic church in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning (local time). The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, reportedly killed himself. According to Kash Patel of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the agency is now investigating the crime as an “act of domestic terrorism” and a “hate crime targeting Catholics.”
The attack happened as the pupils of the church’s school were at a mass marking the start of the academic year.
Who Is Robin Westman?
The gunman, Robin Westman, was in his early 20s, and he entered the school armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. He then opened fire on the children, the news agency IANS reported, citing Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
O’Hara said, “During the mass, the gunman approached on the outside, on the side of the building, and began firing a rifle through the church windows towards the children sitting in the pews at the mass”.
Meanwhile, a former police officer interviewed on FOX Live said that Westman had posted threats to President Donald Trump and Republicans on social media. However, it could not be independently confirmed, nor was it known why he chose a church.
This is not the first such crime to have occurred in Minneapolis; as per the local police, this was the fourth such incident since Tuesday. Before this, in high-profile cases, in June, former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in a Minneapolis suburb, and a state senator and his wife were also seriously injured by a gunman.
Also Read: US: Three, Including Shooter, Killed, 20 Injured In Firing At Catholic School In Minneapolis
Who Were Injured?
The federal agencies, including the FBI, quickly sprang into action, joining local police to investigate the shooting.
The FBI Director in a post on X informed that the two fatalities were of an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, the injured included 14 children and 3 adults.
“The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics,” the federal agency’s director posted.
“The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman,” Patel added.
Updates on the shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
The… https://t.co/ErFZpSieKS
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 27, 2025
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also expressed grief and urged stronger action against gun violence.
“All of our kids should be able to go to school or church or anywhere without the fear of gun violence. Don’t just say we need thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally in a church praying. Don’t just think of them just as someone else’s kids. Think of them as your own,” Frey said in a message posted on X.
Also Read: Trump Orders US Flags To Be Flown At Half-Staff To Honour School Shooting Victims
Trump’s Order Following Shooting
The US President has directed that all American flags be flown at half-staff at the White House and across all public buildings in the country until sunset on Sunday, August 31, as a mark of respect for the victims of the mass shooting at a Catholic school.
“I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The FBI quickly responded and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved!” he posted on the Truth Social platform.
US President Trump is on a campaign to curb violence in US cities. He sent federal and military personnel to patrol Washington and has threatened to send them to other high-crime cities.
(with IANS inputs)