On August 27, 2025, a horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 others injured, sending shockwaves through the community and the nation. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left behind a chilling manifesto that has since been decoded, offering a disturbing glimpse into his troubled mind. The manifesto, posted on a now-deleted YouTube account just hours before the attack, revealed Westman’s deep regret over his transgender identity, with the shooter writing, “I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself.” He also expressed frustration with his long hair, noting, “I can’t cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.” These revelations have sparked intense debate and raised questions about the intersection of mental health, identity, and violence.
The attack occurred around 8:30 a.m. during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, which shares its campus with the school. Westman, armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting children and worshippers. The two victims, 8-year-old Fletcher Alexander Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Lillian Moyski, were killed, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners were injured. Emergency responders described a chaotic scene, with 911 audio capturing pleas to “bring all the gauze you have” to treat the wounded. The church’s locked doors likely prevented Westman from entering and causing further casualties. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the act “deliberate” and marked by “sheer cruelty and cowardice,” noting that Westman’s arsenal included 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and a jammed handgun round.
Westman’s manifesto, written in a mix of English and Russian Cyrillic script, revealed a deeply troubled individual grappling with his identity and consumed by violent fantasies. Court records indicate that Westman, born Robert Paul Westman, legally changed his name to Robin in 2020 at the age of 17, with his mother, Mary Grace Westman, signing the application. The document stated that Westman identified as female and wanted his name to reflect that identity. However, the manifesto suggests a profound regret over this decision. “I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans,” Westman wrote, adding, “I don’t want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man.” These conflicting emotions were compounded by his fear that cutting his hair would signal a “concerning change of character” that could lead to being reported.
The manifesto also contained disturbing references to past mass shooters, including Sandy Hook’s Adam Lanza and Norway’s Anders Behring Breivik, as well as violent fantasies about becoming a “scary, horrible monster standing over those powerless kids.” Westman’s writings included antisemitic and anti-Catholic sentiments, with phrases like “Jew gas” scrawled on a smoke bomb and “kill Donald Trump” written on a gun magazine. The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, is investigating the attack as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Authorities have recovered hundreds of pieces of evidence, including videos showing Westman’s weapons and a diagram of the church, indicating meticulous planning.
The shooter’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, a former employee at Annunciation Catholic Church until 2021, has not cooperated with police, further complicating the investigation. Minneapolis authorities have been unable to contact her, leaving gaps in understanding Westman’s background and potential influences. Community leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, have urged the public not to vilify the transgender community, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the victims and preventing future tragedies. Governor Tim Walz described the shooting as “horrific,” highlighting the trauma inflicted on children during their first week of school.
As Minneapolis mourns, the manifesto’s revelations have ignited debates about mental health support, gender identity, and gun access. Westman’s lack of criminal history and ability to legally purchase firearms have raised questions about systemic failures. The community continues to grapple with grief, holding vigils for the victims while investigators work to uncover the full scope of Westman’s motives. The shooter’s regret over his identity adds a complex layer to an already tragic event, underscoring the need for comprehensive mental health resources and preventive measures.
