In a horrifying turn of events that has sent shockwaves across the nation, 23-year-old Robin Westman, identified as the shooter who opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, left behind a chilling digital trail that has sparked outrage, speculation, and heated debates online. Just moments before the tragic attack on August 27, 2025, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 17 others, Westman allegedly uploaded a disturbing YouTube video showcasing a manifesto laced with violent rhetoric, including the shocking phrase “KILL DONALD TRUMP” scrawled across a gun magazine. This revelation has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with social media platforms like Threads buzzing with theories, accusations, and calls for answers. Was this a politically motivated act of terror, or the deranged outburst of a troubled mind? The nation is left grappling with the aftermath of this unspeakable tragedy.
The attack unfolded during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, connected to the school, where children from pre-K to eighth grade were gathered in prayer. Westman, armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, reportedly fired dozens of rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, targeting innocent children and worshippers. Two students, aged 8 and 10, were killed, while 14 other children and three elderly parishioners were injured. Westman died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leaving behind a trail of questions and a community in mourning. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the act “incomprehensible,” emphasizing the cruelty of targeting children in a place of worship.
What sets this tragedy apart is the digital footprint Westman left behind. According to multiple reports, a YouTube video posted just hours before the shooting revealed a deeply disturbed individual with an obsession for violence. The video allegedly showed Westman flipping through a handwritten manifesto, filled with ramblings in English and Russian, alongside displays of weapons adorned with hateful messages. One magazine bore the phrase “KILL DONALD TRUMP,” while others referenced past mass shooters like Sandy Hook’s Adam Lanza and included antisemitic slurs and anti-Christian sentiments such as “Where is your God?” and “Take this all of you, and eat!” These shocking details have fueled speculation about Westman’s motives, with some claiming the attack was a politically charged statement against the former president.
Social media has exploded with reactions, particularly on Threads, where users are dissecting every frame of the now-deleted YouTube video. Pro-Trump influencers, including Laura Loomer, have seized on the “KILL DONALD TRUMP” message, alleging that Westman was driven by anti-Trump sentiment and radical ideologies. “The shooter in Minnesota was a Trump hater, a Jew hater, & appears to be a supporter of the Palestinian Islamic movement,” Loomer posted on X, stirring up a storm of comments and shares. Others, however, urge caution, warning against politicizing the tragedy without a clear motive. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has pushed back against the narrative, condemning efforts to “villainize” the transgender community after reports surfaced that Westman, who changed their name from Robert to Robin in 2019, identified as transgender. “Kids died today. This needs to be about them,” Frey said, calling for unity over division.
The manifesto, described as a 20-minute video, reportedly included a diagram of Annunciation Church, with Westman stabbing a drawing while whispering, “I’m going to kill myself.” Other clips showed a cardboard silhouette with an image of Jesus and a sticker with a transgender flag alongside the words “Defend Equality.” These cryptic symbols have only deepened the mystery, with some users on Threads speculating about a complex mix of personal grievances, mental health struggles, and ideological motivations. The video’s references to past school shooters and a self-reported cancer diagnosis from vaping have further muddied the waters, leaving investigators scrambling to piece together the puzzle.
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Authorities have recovered additional firearms from residences linked to Westman, along with a smoke bomb found in a vehicle near the church. While no explosives were used, the presence of a wooden plank barricading a church door suggests a calculated plan to trap victims. The fact that Westman’s mother worked at the school until 2021 has also raised questions about a possible personal connection to the target.
As the nation mourns, the online discourse has taken a life of its own. Threads users are sharing screenshots of the manifesto, debating whether Westman’s actions were driven by political hatred, religious animosity, or mental instability. Some posts sensationalize the “KILL DONALD TRUMP” message, claiming it’s evidence of a broader conspiracy, while others argue it’s a distraction from the real issue: gun violence in schools. The viral nature of these posts, amplified by inflammatory language and unverified claims, has made the story a lightning rod for clicks and engagement, with hashtags like #MinneapolisShooting and #RobinWestman trending across platforms.
President Donald Trump responded to the tragedy, ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-mast until sunset on Sunday in honor of the victims. “The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation,” he posted on Truth Social, urging prayers for those affected. Former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton also expressed their grief, with Biden stating, “No parent should ever have to bury their child.”
As the investigation continues, the nation is left to wrestle with uncomfortable questions. Was Westman’s attack a targeted strike against Trump supporters, Catholics, or something else entirely? Why did a 23-year-old with no criminal history descend into such violence? And how did legally purchased firearms end up in the hands of someone with such a disturbed mindset? The answers may lie in the pages of Westman’s manifesto, but for now, the tragedy has left a scar on Minneapolis and a divided online community searching for meaning in the chaos.
