FBI investigates Minneapolis school tragedy as a potential hate crime, raising serious questions about safety, faith, and violence in America. The heartbreaking attack on Annunciation Church and its school in southern Minneapolis has left the nation mourning, with two children dead and at least 17 others injured.
According to the FBI, the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism with strong indications of anti-Catholic motivation. Authorities revealed that the suspect, 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during a school Mass, unleashing chaos on what should have been a sacred and safe gathering.
FBI Investigates Minneapolis School Shooting as Hate Crime
The FBI investigates Minneapolis school shooting with the highest level of urgency. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in a statement that the attack was being treated as a “domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”
This chilling declaration adds a disturbing layer to an already devastating incident. It wasn’t just an act of random violence; investigators believe it may have been deliberately aimed at Catholic worshippers, including young children, in their most vulnerable setting.
Details of the Minneapolis School Shooting
The attack occurred at Annunciation Church, a parish and school that serves children between the ages of 5 and 14. On Wednesday morning, as Mass was being held to mark the beginning of the new school term, shots rang out through the stained glass windows.
Armed with multiple weapons, rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, Westman fired dozens of rounds into the building from outside. Police later confirmed that a smoke bomb was also recovered at the scene.
Tragically, two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed instantly. Seventeen others sustained injuries, ranging from minor wounds to life-threatening conditions.
Eyewitness Accounts and Acts of Heroism
Patrick Scallen, a neighbor, described the moment he rushed toward the church after hearing gunfire. He recalled seeing children fleeing for their lives, including a young girl with a head wound who begged him not to let go of her hand.
One survivor, a 10-year-old boy, told CBS affiliate WCCO how his best friend saved his life. “My friend, Victor, laid on top of me when the bullets came. He got hit, but he saved me.” Such testimonies underline both the horror and the bravery witnessed that day.
FBI Investigates Minneapolis School and the Suspect’s Background
As the FBI investigates Minneapolis school shooting, they have uncovered disturbing details about the attacker. Robin Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Court records show that Westman had legally changed names in 2020, identifying as female. The suspect’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, had once worked at the school, possibly adding another layer of complexity to the case.
A scheduled social media post by Westman, set to go live at the time of the shooting, was intercepted and deleted by investigators. Its contents have not been released publicly, fueling speculation about motive.
National Response and Leaders’ Reactions
Local and national leaders have condemned the attack. Police Chief Brian O’Hara described it as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children,” while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey urged communities not to let the tragedy fuel hatred against transgender individuals.
President Donald Trump extended condolences, promising federal support, and later ordered flags at the White House flown at half-mast in honor of the victims. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also expressed grief, calling school shootings “all too common” across the country.
Even the Vatican responded. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, said he was “profoundly saddened,” sending prayers for the victims and families.
FBI Investigates Minneapolis School Shooting as a Wider Warning
The FBI investigates Minneapolis school tragedy not just as an isolated incident, but as part of a broader pattern of violence against faith-based institutions in the U.S. In recent years, churches, synagogues, and mosques have all been targeted by attackers motivated by hate.
Experts warn that the Minneapolis shooting could set a precedent for how religious hate crimes are prosecuted and investigated. The Department of Justice and Homeland Security have both pledged to monitor the case closely, ensuring that justice is served.
Community Mourning and Healing
Since the attack, a steady stream of mourners have gathered outside Annunciation Church, leaving flowers and candles. Vigils have been held throughout Minneapolis, uniting Catholics, non-Catholics, and people of all faiths in grief and solidarity.
As families mourn, local parishes and schools have stepped in to provide counseling and support. Internal discussions within the Minneapolis diocese are also focusing on increasing security measures for religious and educational institutions.
Looking Ahead
While talks of “how” and “why” continue, one fact remains clear: the FBI investigates Minneapolis school shooting as one of the deadliest faith-targeted school attacks in U.S. history.
As the investigation continues, the nation watches closely, hoping not only for justice but also for action to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
