Minneapolis School Shooter Kills 2, Injures 17, Identified Transwoman

On August 28, 2025, Robin Westman, a 23-year-old transgender individual, opened fire at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during a church service, killing two children and injuring 17 others before dying by suicide. Westman had legally changed their name in 2020 to reflect their female gender identity. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Following the shooting, conservative and MAGA figures linked Westman's transgender identity to the attack, with some calling for legislation to restrict transgender individuals' access to gender-affirming care and firearms. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and others warned against using the tragedy to vilify the transgender community, emphasizing the need for compassion and rejecting hate. The incident has sparked a broader debate over gun control, transgender rights, and political rhetoric surrounding gender identity.