Two children were killed and at least 17 others injured after a gunman fired dozens of rounds through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church; investigators say the attacker posted violent videos and messages praising previous mass shooters and are treating the case as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime.
According to Saed News, a 23-year-old attacker opened fire through the windows of Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis during a school Mass on Wednesday morning, killing two children — identified by their families as Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10 — and wounding at least 17 other people, many of them pupils. The suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police say the attacker approached the side of the church, fired dozens of rounds through classroom windows using multiple firearms and left a smoke device at the scene. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows the shooter firing from outside without entering the sanctuary, and witnesses described children fleeing and begging for help. Officials say the weapons were recently purchased and that no one on government watch lists had flagged the suspect.
Families and the local Catholic community are mourning. Fletcher Merkel’s father described his son as a boy who “loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play,” while Harper Moyski’s parents called their daughter “bright, joyful, and deeply loved.” Vigils and prayer services have been held and city leaders called for action on gun law reforms as grief turned to calls for change.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Robin Westman; officials say Westman previously attended the school and that a parent who once worked at the school is the suspect’s mother. Investigators recovered videos and written material the suspect posted online—including references praising earlier mass shooters and hateful language written on weapons—and have said the attacker “appeared to hate many groups.” The FBI director and local prosecutors said they are investigating the attack as a potential act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime.
While investigators described the suspect as “obsessed with the idea of killing children,” they also cautioned a definitive motive may never be fully known. Officials have pointed to videos and notes found in the suspect’s belongings that referenced prior mass shooters and contained anti-religious, antisemitic and explicitly violent language. Those materials are central to federal and local inquiries into whether the attack was ideologically driven.
Minneapolis officials and the state’s governor have renewed calls for bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, arguing such measures could prevent the level of carnage seen in the attack. Mayor Jacob Frey said the city must move beyond “thoughts and prayers” to concrete policy changes. Church leaders and the Archdiocese have called for prayer and support for the families while also joining appeals for legislative action.
