MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Authorities have released the identity of the shooter responsible for a horrific attack at a Minneapolis church that left multiple people dead and dozens injured. The FBI has confirmed the suspect as Robin Westman, 23, who was previously known as Robert Westman before legally changing their name and beginning to identify as transgender at the age of 17, according to court documents.
The Attack
The massacre unfolded during Sunday morning Mass at St. Mary’s Parish, just as parishioners were taking their seats. Witnesses reported that the first shots rang out moments after the service began. Within minutes, chaos erupted inside the sanctuary as worshippers tried to flee while gunfire echoed through the church.
Timeline of Events:
- 10:01 a.m.: First emergency calls were made to 911 reporting shots fired inside St. Mary’s Parish.
- 10:03 a.m.: Minneapolis police officers arrived at the scene, confronting the shooter inside the church.
- 10:07 a.m.: Officers engaged the suspect in a gunfight; the shooter was fatally shot by responding law enforcement.
- 10:15 a.m.: Scene declared secure; emergency medical teams entered to treat victims.
Authorities later revealed that two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed in the attack, and 14 other children between the ages of 6 and 15 were wounded by gunfire. In addition, three elderly parishioners, all in their 80s, sustained gunshot injuries and remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Weapons & Preparation
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Westman was heavily armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, all of which were used during the shooting. Investigators are working with federal agencies to determine how Westman obtained the weapons and whether the attack was premeditated.
The Manifesto
Authorities confirmed that Westman left behind a written manifesto discovered at their residence. Chief O’Hara described its contents as “disturbing and deeply troubling,” though details have not yet been made public. “There were clear indications of planning and intent to cause maximum harm,” O’Hara said during a press conference.
Background of the Suspect
Robin Westman graduated from Northside High School in 2017. Former classmates described them as a quiet, isolated individual. Court records show that Westman legally changed their name at age 18, shortly after beginning to identify as transgender.
The shooting has reignited discussions around mental health, extremism, and the intersection of identity issues in violent crime. Christina Aguayo News noted that the incident comes amid new data showing that 20% of Gen Z now identify as LGBT, a statistic already sparking polarizing political debate in the wake of the massacre.
Eyewitness Accounts & Heroic Response
Several witnesses reported acts of bravery during the attack. One father, whose son was inside the church, praised responding officers for immediately confronting the gunman despite heavy gunfire. “They didn’t hesitate. They ran straight toward the shooter. Without them, so many more would have died,” he said.
Police officers who responded are reportedly “deeply traumatized” by the carnage they encountered. Counseling and peer support resources have been activated for first responders.
Ongoing Investigation
The FBI is leading the investigation, with assistance from the ATF and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Officials have not yet confirmed a motive but have stated they are exploring potential ideological or personal grievances behind the attack.
“This is one of the darkest days in our city’s history,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement. “We mourn the innocent lives lost, and we stand with their families as we seek justice and answers.”
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