MINNEAPOLIS (LifeSiteNews) — A shooting broke out during Wednesday morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
Two young schoolchildren were killed, reported Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara. They were 8 and 10 years old.
At least 20 people in total were shot, first responders told the Star Tribune. Annunciation covers preschool through eighth grade.
The New York Post reports that the perpetrator has been identified as early-twentysomething Robin Westman, who killed himself on the scene. CBS News reports that Westman’s mother was a “former employee” of the school who retired several years prior. Annunciation announced the retirement of a Mary Grace Westman in 2021. Read LifeSite’s full report on the shooter here.
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Father Paul Hartmann, Associate General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, stated on social media, “We offer prayers. These children were gathered for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The sadness is overwhelming.”
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced via X he had been “briefed on a shooting” at the church compound, which also hosts a school, just days after the beginning of the school year on Monday, reporting that “BCA and State Patrol are on scene.” FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reported that federal agents were on the way as well.
The City of Minneapolis later announced that the “shooter is contained,” meaning there is no longer an “active threat to the community at this time,” while requesting residents continue to steer clear of the area so emergency personnel can care for the victims.
LifeSiteNews will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as they become available.