Shooting Kills 2 Children, Injures 17 at Minneapolis Catholic School

A tragic shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where a gunman opened fire during a school Mass, killing two children aged eight and ten and injuring 17 others, including 14 children. The assailant, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, was armed with multiple firearms and fired dozens of rounds through church windows before taking his own life at the scene. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the attack as a deliberate and incomprehensible act of violence targeting innocent children and worshippers. The community, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, expressed deep sorrow and prayers for the victims and their families, while Children’s Minnesota hospital admitted several injured children. Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram of heartfelt condolences to the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, commending the souls of the deceased to God and imparting an apostolic blessing to the community and first responders. Annunciation Catholic School serves over 300 students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, and the shooting has left the nation in shock as officials continue their investigation.