Minneapolis is mourning after a gunman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School during a morning Mass on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, firing multiple rounds through the church windows before storming the building, killing two children and wounding 17 others.

The sudden burst of gunfire sent terrified students, parents, and parishioners scrambling for cover inside the sanctuary, while police responded within minutes, securing the scene and preventing what officials said could have been an even deadlier attack.

The victims were identified as an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old student. Among the injured were 14 children between the ages of six and 15, and three elderly parishioners in their 80s.

Police confirmed the shooter, 23-year-old Robin M. Westman, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after the attack. Authorities said his weapons were legally purchased, and the FBI is investigating possible extremist or anti-religious motives, citing disturbing online content he had shared.

Mayor Jacob Frey praised the quick response of church staff, calling their actions “nothing short of heroic,” but urged residents not to ignore the broader issue.

“We’ve got more guns in this country than we have people. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not about the guns, because it is,” he told thousands gathered at a candlelight vigil in Lynnhurst Park.

The vigil, organized by Moms Demand Action, drew a massive crowd of mourners who lit candles in silence as an instrumental version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” played under a crescent moon.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis and St. Paul also led prayers at a separate service in Richfield, calling on the community to lean on faith and unity in the face of loss.

Governor Tim Walz ordered flags across Minnesota to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims, while city officials pledged counseling, pastoral care, and financial support for affected families.

As investigators search for answers, Minneapolis remains united in grief,and in its demand for change.