The quiet of a Sunday Mass turned into unthinkable horror when a heavily armed assailant opened fire through church windows, specifically targeting children inside.

According to Breitbart, a transgender individual identified as Robin Westman, born Robert Westman, attacked Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during a Mass, killing two children, injuring seventeen people, and prompting an FBI investigation into possible hate-motivated domestic terrorism.

The shooting unfolded during a church service at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where children and families had gathered for Mass. Without warning, gunfire erupted from outside the building. The shooter was positioned outside and began firing into the sanctuary through the windows.

The unexpected ambush caused panic among worshippers, many of whom were parents attending with their children. In the chaos, two young lives were lost — an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. Fourteen other children were wounded, along with three adults.

Authorities arrived at the scene within minutes, securing the church and the surrounding area. The shooter, later identified as Robin Westman, was taken into custody. According to police, Westman is a biological male who identified as a female. Born Robert Westman, the suspect reportedly brought a rifle, shotgun, and pistol to the attack.

Shooter’s weapons had disturbing messages

Investigators discovered alarming details about Westman and the planning behind the attack. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the shooting is being pursued as both a domestic terrorism case and a hate crime directed at the Catholic community. He confirmed in a press briefing that all signs pointed to an ideologically motivated act of violence.

The shooter’s firearms and ammunition held chilling clues. Messages scrawled onto magazines and weapons included political and religious phrases such as “Kill Donald Trump,” “Where is your God?” “Israel Must Fall,” and “Mashallah,” a term used in Islamic cultures meaning “God has willed it.” Authorities believe these messages reflected the attacker’s state of mind and motivation.

Evidence also emerged from a now-deleted YouTube channel believed to belong to Westman. The channel featured a video in which the suspect allegedly shared a manifesto and displayed his weapons cache. This video has since been removed from the platform, but was confirmed by a senior Trump administration official interviewed by Breitbart News.

FBI leads anti-Catholic hate crime probe

Law enforcement officials at multiple levels are involved in the investigation. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the shooter intentionally “fired through church windows” targeting children during the religious service. Witness statements and initial findings support the claim that Catholic worshippers were the intended victims.

Chief O’Hara said the shooter "began firing toward the children sitting in the pews," underscoring the targeted and premeditated nature of the crime. Officers on the scene noted that Westman focused the fire inside, where children and families had gathered, adding further evidence that this was not a random act of violence.

Officials have yet to disclose how Westman obtained the firearms or whether previous warning signs existed before the attack. As they comb through the shooter’s digital footprint and personal history, the FBI continues to collect evidence to support federal charges.

The community struggles to understand the motive

This incident has left the Minneapolis Catholic community stunned and grieving. Many locals are seeking answers about how such an attack could have happened and whether more could have been done to prevent it. For now, families are focused on recovery and mourning the devastating loss of two children.

Church leaders are collaborating with law enforcement and offering counseling services to affected families. Religious organizations across the nation are expressing solidarity and calling for increased security around places of worship in the wake of the attack.

While Westman’s manifesto and weapon messages offer glimpses into his motivations, authorities have not yet publicly established a full motive. However, the nature of the attack and the writings indicate ideological motives involving both anti-religious and political beliefs.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

Although nothing can fully prevent targeted acts of violence, communities can take steps to enhance safety and prepare for the unexpected:

1. Strengthen facility security: Churches and schools should invest in physical security measures such as alarm systems, reinforced doors, and security cameras. Hosting regular emergency response drills can also prepare staff and worshippers for incidents.

2. Monitor concerning behavior: Leaders and community members should be proactive in reporting suspicious behavior and threats, even when they appear online. Social media, video platforms, and private messaging apps are often used to signal violent intent.

3. Support victims without blame: It is vital to remember that victims of these crimes are never at fault. While risk awareness is crucial, communities must support those affected without resorting to victim-blaming narratives when tragedies occur.

Why This Story Matters

This story reminds the public that hate-motivated violence can target anyone, anywhere — even children attending a religious service. It amplifies the need for vigilance and compassion, and the responsibility society holds in treating early warning signs seriously. Understanding the motivations behind such attacks can help communities prevent future tragedies and build resistance to ideological extremism.

These kinds of cases also test how institutions respond both to the threat and to the aftermath for victims and their families. Justice, safety, and healing all hinge on prompt, thorough investigations and empathetic community support.

Conclusion

A transgender shooter identified as Robin Westman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church during a Mass in Minneapolis, killing two young children and injuring seventeen others. The shooting is under investigation by the FBI as a likely hate crime and act of domestic terrorism due to anti-religious and political messages found on the shooter’s weapons. A now-deleted YouTube video linked to the suspect revealed a disturbing manifesto and arsenal. The attack has left a deep impact on the local Catholic community, sparking calls for renewed security and awareness to help protect vulnerable public spaces moving forward.