A school mass turned into a scene of terror when a transgender-identifying individual opened fire on students and staff, leaving two dead and 17 injured.

According to Breitbart, Robert Westman, who also went by the name Robin Westman, is accused of planning and carrying out the mass shooting during a Catholic school service, leaving behind disturbing writings and videos revealing internal struggle and animosity.

The incident unfolded during a morning mass at a Catholic school, where students had gathered for a religious service. Witnesses say chaos erupted as gunfire shattered the stained-glass windows from outside the church. Two victims died on-site, while 17 others were wounded—some critically—before law enforcement intervened.

Authorities later identified the alleged shooter as 27-year-old Robert Westman, who had used the name Robin Westman and identified as a transgender woman. According to investigators, Westman had positioned himself outside, targeting people through the windows rather than entering the building itself. Law enforcement reported recovering both a written and a video manifesto from the scene.

The documents discovered included handwritten entries and video statements believed to have been made shortly before the attack. In his writings, Westman appeared to express intense emotional suffering regarding his gender identity, articulating his anger and frustration. He wrote about feeling that he had “brain-washed” himself and expressed regret about transitioning.

Conflicted self-identity revealed in writing

In one passage from the manifesto, Westman reportedly explained why he maintained long hair despite wanting to remove signs of his transgender presentation. “I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans,” he wrote. “I am tired of being trans I wish I had never brainwashed myself.”

Another section brought to light his conflicting emotions leading up to the assault. Westman noted that cutting his hair would signal a tipping point—one that might alert others to a drastic shift in his mental state. “I can’t cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported,” he wrote, adding that he planned to make the change “on the day of the attack.”

Breitbart News reported that authorities also found a video where Westman delivered a profanity-laced monologue before the massacre. The footage showed him expressing hatred toward the children inside the church and mocking their faith with aggressive, hateful comments.

Shooter voiced anger toward faith and youth

In the video, Westman can be heard saying, “F*** those kids” and “Where’s your f***ing God now?” shortly before the attack began, according to officials. His words indicate he had a strong animus toward both religious beliefs and the young students gathered at the service.

The attack appeared not to be a spontaneous act of violence but a carefully premeditated plan of destruction. Westman confessed in his writings that he had been “wanting it for so long,” a chilling reference to the mass shooting he ultimately carried out. Investigators say the combination of pent-up rage, regrets over gender choices, and animosity toward the religious setting all played a role in the tragedy.

The shooter’s decision to remain outside and fire through the windows made it especially difficult for those inside to locate the source of the danger. The building’s echoing acoustics and the suddenness of the event left teachers and students in confusion, witnesses later told police.

Community left grieving and searching for answers

Emergency responders arrived within minutes, and law enforcement subdued Westman without further casualties. First responders acted quickly to treat the injured and secure the area, but for many, the damage had already been done—both physically and emotionally.

The two victims killed were identified as adult staff members affiliated with the church. Officials have not yet released the identities of the wounded, many of whom were students present at the service. The school and surrounding community are preparing for a time of mourning and reflection, even as investigators continue to examine the shooter’s background and motives.

Local authorities stated that Westman had no prior criminal history or known threats, but his extensive writings showcased a descent into despair and rage. Both physical evidence and digital materials have been seized for analysis to understand what more could have been done to prevent the event.

Lessons to Learn from This Tragedy

1. Monitoring threats and warning signs must never be overlooked. In Westman’s case, his writings and planned behaviors suggest he may have been internally spiraling for some time. Communities and institutions must establish channels for reporting and addressing unusual or alarming behavior—especially when there is talk of violence against oneself or others.

2. Protection at soft targets like schools and houses of worship is vital. Despite being places of peace and community, sites like churches are often vulnerable. Extra security measures—ranging from better surveillance systems to trained security presence—should be discussed by school administrators and local jurisdictions.

3. Understand that crime doesn't discriminate and victims are never at fault. Preventative steps are important, but they are not guarantees. This tragedy reminds us that attack motivations can be complex and unpredictable. It's imperative to approach such issues with both compassion for victims and a serious commitment to prevention.

Why This Story Matters

This violent act questions the trust and safety that many associate with schools and religious settings. It raises critical issues about mental health, gender identity crises, and the intersection of personal anguish with public violence. Communities must continue conversations on how to detect and respond to signs of distress without compromising safety or compassion.

Conclusion

Robert Westman, who also used the name Robin, is accused of opening fire during a Catholic school mass, killing two people and injuring seventeen others. Authorities say Westman had been planning the attack, fueled by regret over his gender identity and frustration toward religious beliefs. His handwritten and video manifestos painted a picture of a deeply troubled individual struggling with identity and hatred, culminating in the deadly shooting. The community is now left to grieve, investigate, and reflect on how such a tragedy could unfold—and how to prevent another one like it in the future.