The gunman who opened fire inside a Minneapolis church this week, killing two Catholic school children and injuring more than a dozen others, had once been a student at the very same school and a member of the parish, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Police identified the attacker as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died by suicide after the assault. Investigators are still working to determine what triggered the violence, but early findings suggest the gunman had been preparing for years.
Investigations Into Motive
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara told NBC that authorities were examining videos, writings, and other digital evidence. Among them was a disturbing note that read: “I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself.”
O’Hara said investigators had not uncovered any clear single motive, explaining: “Everything we’ve seen so far is a classic pathway to an active shooter. We have not found anything specific to trigger the amount of hate that occurred yesterday.”
Disturbing Online Content
Authorities revealed that Westman had uploaded videos to YouTube displaying weapons, ammunition, and references to other mass shooters. Police also recovered a document resembling a suicide note, in which the suspect admitted longstanding struggles with depression and violent thoughts.
Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman entered the parish and began firing. Following the attack, investigators recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence from the church and three residences linked to the suspect. While no additional firearms were discovered, several more writings were seized for further analysis.
Victims of the Attack
City officials confirmed that two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed in the shooting. Fifteen other children between ages 6 and 15 were wounded, along with three parishioners in their 80s. Most of the injured are expected to survive, though one child remained in critical condition as of Thursday, according to the Associated Press.
FBI Director Kash Patel labeled the incident an act of “domestic terrorism motivated by hate-filled ideology.” Patel pointed to writings and statements by Westman that expressed hostility toward multiple religions and threats directed at U.S. President Donald Trump.
Also Read: “Oooo! Aug. 27th…All-School Mass”: Minnesota Gunman’s Diary Reveals Chilling Church Shooting Plan
Identity and Background
Federal officials confirmed that Westman identified as transgender. In 2020, court records show that a judge approved a petition signed by Westman’s mother to change the shooter’s name from Robert to Robin, acknowledging her female identification.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack while urging the public not to target the transgender community, saying: “Hatred should not be redirected toward those already marginalized in our society.”
