Minneapolis Church & School Shooting — What We Know

Summary

During a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, which is affiliated with Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, a 23-year-old assailant fired from outside through church windows into the sanctuary. Two students—identified by family as Fletcher Merkel (8) and Harper Moyski (10)—were killed. Eighteen others were injured, the majority of them children. The shooter died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Key Details

• Location: Annunciation Catholic Church & School, Minneapolis.
• Method: Shots fired from outside through church/stained-glass windows into pews during service.
• Victims: Two children killed; among the injured are multiple students (elementary through high-school ages) and elderly parishioners. Police say the injured are expected to survive.
• Suspect: Identified by police as Robin Westman, 23. Investigators say writings and online videos indicate an obsession with prior mass shooters. Police said the firearms were purchased legally and recently.
• Weapons recovered: A rifle, a shotgun, and a handgun were used. Investigators recovered spent shells and additional ammunition on scene; no explosives were found.
• Status: The suspect acted alone and died by suicide at the scene. No continuing threat to the public was reported.

Official Notes

• Police and federal partners are reviewing the suspect’s digital footprint and writings to determine motive.
• City leaders emphasized support for victims’ families and cautioned against politicizing the attack while facts are still being documented.

This is a developing story. Figures above reflect the latest official briefings as of Aug 29, 2025.