Terror at Minneapolis church: Robin Westman identified as gunman in shooting that left two children dead and 17 others hurt
The suspect behind the shooting at a Minnesota church that left two children dead and 17 other people hurt has been identified and online videos show an obsession with mass killers and his elaborate plans just moments before he opened fire.
Robin Westman has been identified as the gunman who started shooting around 8:30 a.m. at Annunciation Catholic School in a Minneapolis suburb. He died by suicide as police rushed to the scene. He fired dozens of rounds through the church as the school community was at Mass, marking the first week of school, authorities say. The two students killed were aged eight and 10. Several others were rushed to the hospital.
“This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said.
Shortly after Westman was identified, videos reportedly from him were shared on social media – though police have not released a motive for the attack.
Here is everything we know about the incident and the shooter:
The shooter was identified as Robin Westman, a law enforcement source told the Associated Press.
The shooter doesn’t have an extensive criminal history, and police are still trying to determine a motive for the attack. He was in his 20s, wearing black clothing and “cargo-type pants,” O’Hara said. He was armed with a rifle, shotgun and a pistol.
Westman shot through the stained-glass windows behind doors that were barricaded using 2-by-4 wood planks from the outside, O’Hara said.
In 2019, he changed his name from Robert to Robin, court documents show. In court documents, it is listed that he identified as a woman.
The motive behind the tragedy isn’t immediately clear and police continue to investigate.
Westman grew up in Richfield and his mother was an employee at Annunciation School, KARE11 reported. When his mother was reached by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, she was crying and said she didn’t know if her son was the shooter.
His father owns a home less than a mile from the school and church, according to the Star-Tribune. The home was blocked off by police in the hours after the shooting.
While his motive is not clear, online posts linked to Westman show his obsession with mass killers, neo-Nazi thoughts and his alleged plans for the attack.
A series of disturbing videos circulating on social media — that were allegedly linked to an account belonging to him — provide some insight into his mental state before the attack.
