Tragedy at Minneapolis Catholic School: Gunman Opens Fire During Mass, Children Among Victims

A fatal shooting took place at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during a morning Mass, in the initial week of school. The gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, was firing from outside the adjacent church, shooting through stained-glass windows into the children and congregation. Westman was a former student of the school and was carrying a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, as reported. He had reportedly blocked exits so that escape would be impossible.

Two, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, were killed when they were shot in pews. Seventeen others were injured, 14 of them children—some of them critically injured. Witnesses described witnesses to chaos and heroism, including one fifth-grade student who survived after his friend shielded him with bullets.

Officials subsequently confirmed the gunman had shot himself. The FBI examined the shooting as a potential domestic terrorism and hate crime. Local politicians were outraged and upset, with calls for action on gun violence. The Archdiocese performed a special Mass in memoriam for the victims, and flags across the country were placed at half-staff.

The disaster has revived national debate on school safety and gun control, especially since the hallowed setting and child victims. Local residents, clergy, and politicians continue to converge to express support for the grieving families, with prayers and solace in unimaginable sorrow.