Minneapolis Shooter Fired 116 Rounds, Once Attended Same Catholic School He Attacked, Cops Say

<p>A children&rsquo;s Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church turned into a scene of horror this week when a gunman opened fire, killing two young students and injuring at least 18 others. Police said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, unleashed 116 rifle rounds through the church&rsquo;s stained-glass windows before dying by suicide.</p>
<h2>&lsquo;Intended to Terrorize Innocent Children,&rsquo; Police Chief Says</h2>
<p>Police Chief Brian O&rsquo;Hara confirmed Westman was a former student of Annunciation Catholic School. Speaking about the attack, O&rsquo;Hara said, &ldquo;It is very clear that this shooter had the intention to terrorize those innocent children.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The shooting erupted during the first week of classes, when students had gathered for Mass. Authorities said Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and brought hundreds of rounds of ammunition.</p>
<h2>Disturbing Writings And Obsession With Violence</h2>
<p>Investigators revealed that Westman had a long history of troubling online activity. Videos found on a YouTube channel showed weapons, ammunition, and references to other mass shooters. Authorities also recovered writings that reflected deep depression and violent ideation.</p>
<p>Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said Westman &ldquo;expressed hate towards almost every group imaginable,&rdquo; noting that the only people admired in the writings were mass murderers.</p>
<p>Among the recovered notes, one chilling line stood out: &ldquo;I know this is wrong, but I can&rsquo;t seem to stop myself.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>Victims And Aftermath</h2>
<p>The tragedy claimed the lives of two children, ages 8 and 10. Fifteen other children between 6 and 15 years old were wounded, along with three elderly parishioners in their 80s. While most victims are expected to survive, one child remains in critical condition.</p>
<p>Outside Annunciation Church, a growing memorial of flowers and candles has become a gathering place for grieving families and neighbors.</p>
<h2>Shooter&rsquo;s Background Under Scrutiny</h2>
<p>Westman, who previously attended both the parish and its school, left behind a suicide note detailing years of planning. Court documents also show that in 2020, a judge approved a petition to change Westman&rsquo;s name from Robert to Robin. Federal officials later confirmed that Westman identified as transgender.</p>
<p>While authorities recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence from Westman&rsquo;s residences, no additional firearms were found. Investigators said the writings and digital records fit a ‘classic pathway to an active shooter,’ though no single incident appeared to trigger the attack.</p>