Minneapolis School Mass Shooting Leaves Two Children Dead and 17 Injured During Morning Mass

A horrifying mass shooting has left the Minneapolis community devastated after a gunman opened fire inside Annunciation Catholic School during a morning Mass on Wednesday, killing two children and injuring seventeen others.

Children Gunned Down in Place of Worship

The tragedy unfolded just before 8:30 a.m. as children, teachers, and parishioners gathered for Mass in the church. Witnesses described chaos erupting as bullets tore through the stained-glass windows, sending terrified students diving for cover.

Two children, aged just 8 and 10, were killed while seated in the pews. Seventeen more victims were rushed to area hospitals, fourteen of them children. At least seven remain in critical condition.

Shooter Identified

Authorities identified the gunman as Robin Westman, a man in his early 20s with no prior criminal record. He entered the school grounds armed with multiple firearms, including a rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun, before turning the gun on himself at the back of the church.

Investigators are also reviewing what they believe to be a disturbing manifesto linked to Westman, featuring violent imagery, references to previous mass shooters, and chilling messages such as “for the children”. Some reports suggest he may have written political threats in his journals, though authorities have not yet confirmed a motive.

‘Unthinkable’ Attack Condemned by Leaders

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the massacre “unthinkable,” while Mayor Jacob Frey described the horror of children being killed as they prayed:

“The fact that this happened in a church, while children were literally praying, is beyond heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers are not enough.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed those sentiments, offering condolences to grieving families and pledging state resources to aid the investigation and support victims.

Community in Shock

Parents and neighbors rushed to the school as news broke, some in tears, others frantically searching for loved ones. Vigils are already being organized across the city as residents struggle to comprehend the scale of the tragedy.

Local clergy have opened church doors for counseling and prayer, while trauma teams remain stationed at nearby hospitals.

National Debate Rekindled

The massacre has reignited fierce debate over gun laws, school safety, and mental health, with calls for stronger action to prevent similar tragedies. Advocates say this attack highlights the urgent need for reform, while opponents argue it underscores issues of enforcement and societal instability.

A City Forever Changed

As Minneapolis mourns, the nation once again grapples with the haunting reality of mass shootings in schools. For the families of Annunciation Catholic School, the pain is immeasurable — and the community is left to ask how such horror could strike a place meant to be safe, sacred, and filled with innocence.