Minneapolis Shooter Wednesday was a Transgender 23-Year-Old Man Named Robin Westman

Minneapolis, MN – August 27, 2025, 1:15 PM PDT** – The individual responsible for the horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School during morning Mass has been identified as Robin Westman, a 23-year-old man from suburban Minneapolis who legally transitioned to identify as transgender. The attack, which claimed the lives of two children aged 8 and 10 and injured 17 others, including 14 children, has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted a federal investigation into what authorities are calling a potential act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, opened fire through the church windows before taking his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A smoke bomb was discovered in what police believe to be his vehicle in the church parking lot. The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is spearheading the probe, citing disturbing videos allegedly posted by Westman on YouTube. These videos, viewed by BBC Verify, reportedly feature firearms adorned with racist, antisemitic messages, and a call to assassinate President Donald Trump, further intensifying the investigation's scope.

Westman was a biological male who identified as a transgender "woman." Written on his guns and magazines were things like "kill Trump now," "6 million was not enough" (referring to the Holocaust), "for the children," "I'm the woker, baby. Why so queer is?..." He uploaded an 11 minute video showing his guns, magazines, and manifesto, and posted it on YouTube shortly before carrying out his act of terrorism.

Court records obtained by *The Guardian* (August 27, 2025, 19:06) reveal that Westman, formerly named Robert, legally changed his name and gender identity to female in January 2020 in Dakota County. Despite this transition, this article uses he/him pronouns to reflect his biological sex at birth and the context of the crime, aligning with editorial discretion. Westman's mother, Mary Grace Westman, previously worked at the school as an administrative assistant until her retirement in 2021, adding a chilling personal connection to the tragedy.

The shooting left the Minneapolis community reeling, with Bishop Kevin Kenney, who grew up in the parish, offering solace to victims' families at Hennepin County Medical Center. "It was horrific. Something's got to happen here in this city to stop this," he told an NBC affiliate. President Trump has ordered flags at the White House and public buildings to fly at half-staff until sunset as a mark of respect for the victims.

Mayor Jacob Frey called for action against gun violence but urged the public to avoid vilifying the transgender community, a stance that has sparked debate amid conservative outrage online. Critics, including figures on X, have pointed to Westman's identity as evidence of broader societal issues, though no motive has been officially established. The FBI continues to analyze a scheduled manifesto Westman allegedly prepared, which was taken down with federal assistance.

As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about how a young man with no extensive criminal history, as noted by Chief O'Hara, spiraled into such violence. Minnesota's relatively strong gun laws-ranking 14th nationally per Everytown-failed to prevent this tragedy, fueling calls for stricter measures. For now, the focus remains on the victims, with the community mourning and law enforcement vowing to deliver justice.