MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Two children were killed and 17 other people were injured in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. The suspect, who fired from outside through the church windows as children worshiped, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The FBI says it is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara says they haven’t determined a motive, but the suspect did post a manifesto on YouTube, which has since been taken down.

An 8-year-old child and 10-year-old child were killed in the shooting. Three adults and 14 children, including a child as young as 6, are among those injured in the shooting. All the remaining victims are expected to survive, O’Hara said. 

READ MORE: Annunciation Church school shooting: What we know about the victims

The shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. FOX 9 has confirmed Westman’s mother previously worked at Annunciation. The shooter’s mother also applied to change her child’s name from Robert to Robin in Dakota County in 2019, according to court documents obtained by FOX 9. According to the name change filing, Westman identified “as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”

READ MORE: Annunciation church Minneapolis: What’s known about shooting suspect Robin Westman

Police said the suspect was dressed in black and armed with a rifle, pistol and shotgun when the suspect fired through the church’s windows toward children sitting in the pews during their first week back at school. The suspect did not have an extensive criminal history and is believed to have acted alone. 

Police began responding to the scene before 8:30 a.m. Neighbors reported hearing significant gunfire, so much that they didn’t think it was actually gunfire. 

RELATED: Annunciation church and school shooting: What we know so far

The church and school are on the 500 block of West 54th Street in south Minneapolis, near the intersection of 54th and Lyndale. The school is for pre-kindergarten through eighth-graders, and in the 2023-24 school there were 391 students enrolled. Students started school on Monday. 

Updates can be found below.

Child’s condition improves after Annunciation shooting

8:45 p.m.: Hennepin Healthcare provided an update on the 10 victims it is caring for following the Annunciation shooting, noting a child’s condition has improved from critical to non-life-threatening. 

Now, one adult and five children are listed as in critical condition, while one adult and three children are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Children’s Minnesota was treating seven victims, and earlier Wednesday said four victims had been released from the hospital. 

Local leaders call for gun reform at Annunciation vigil

8:30 p.m.: At a vigil for the Annunciation victims, local politicians called for gun reform. 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the shooting an “unspeakable tragedy” that should never have happened. 

“We are a city united in grief,” Frey said, adding “Let us take the next step to be a city united in action.”

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan said they are there to support the families impacted by Wednesday’s shooting, and also called for something to be done, so this doesn’t happen again.

Meanwhile, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said his thoughts and prayers are for a national ban on assault rifles and other gun reform measures. 

Vigil at Lynnhurst Park 

8:07 p.m.: A large crowd of people, many holding candles, gathered at Lynnhurst Park for a vigil to honor the victims of the Annunciation Church and School shooting. 

The program will include remarks from Minneapolis City Council members, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, and U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, among others.

Vigil at Holy Angels for Annunciation victims

7 p.m.: A vigil at Holy Angels drew hundreds of people, including Gov. Tim Walz and his family, as well as Attorney General Keith Ellison. 

The vigil included prayers, songs and reflections about what happened at Annunciation on Wednesday morning.

How you can help the Annunciation shooting victims

6:50 p.m.: For those looking to help, the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation have established a text-to-donate line for people to donate money. 

You can text ACF1 to 41444. 

The Minneapolis Foundation is hosting the fund and will work with Annunciation in the coming days to equitably distribute the funds raised to those impacted. 

Meanwhile, there is a growing memorial at 54th and Lyndale, where people are placing flowers. 

Vigils being held for victims of Annunciation shooting

6:45 p.m.: At least two vigils are being held Wednesday night. One, at Holy Angels, is open to the public and will begin around 7 p.m. A line of people were walking into the gym, which holds about 1,500 people.

Gov. Tim Walz and his family are in attendance at the Holy Angels vigil.

A second vigil, scheduled to start at 8 p.m., is being held at Lynnhurst Park.

FOX 9 will carry both vigils live. Watch them in the player above. 

Mom adds to growing memorial for Annunciation victims

5:15 p.m. A mom, who has a son who attends Carondelet Catholic School about 10 blocks away and was on lockdown Wednesday, brought flowers to the memorial and tearfully spoke with FOX 9.

“It’s absolutely horrifying,” she said. “You can’t put into words the feeling of … desperation at the situation.”

4 children released from Children’s Minnesota

4:27 p.m.: Four children who were hurt in the shooting have been discharged from Children’s Hospital, the hospital said in a statement. Three children remain hospitalized. 

“Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones in our communities who are impacted by yet another senseless act of violence. We will not share more details to respect the privacy of our patients and families,” Children’s Minnesota said in a statement.

Hennepin Healthcare is caring for 10 patients who were shot Wednesday morning. Earlier Wednesday, the hospital said one adult and six children were in critical condition, while one adult and two children were being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said all remaining victims are expected to survive. 

Hoffman family releases statement

3:39 p.m.: John and Yvette Hoffman, who were injured in the lawmaker shootings in Minnesota in June, along with their daughter Hope Hoffman released the following statement on Wednesday afternoon:

“Sen. John Hoffman, Yvette Hoffman and Hope Hoffman today send all the love and support to the Annunciation Catholic School and Church community and the entire state of Minnesota. We are all impacted by these mindless acts of violence and senseless attacks. 

“The evil actions of an individual can impact the lives of so many, the victims and our community.

“Our family understands this firsthand and calls on our State and the nation to find more grace, and peace in our daily lives.  We will hold these families in our hearts and prayers forever.”

Archbishop Bernard Hebda speaks

2:59 p.m.: Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdioscese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said people are promising prayers and it’s a source of hope to help those who have been impacted. 

Meanwhile, Pope Leo expressed his sorry over the shooting. In a telegram sent to Archbishop Hebda, he expressed his “heartfelt condolences and the assurance of spiritual closeness to all those affected by this terrible tragedy, especially the families now grieving the loss of a child.”

Annunciation principal: ‘I love you, you’re so brave’

2:57 p.m.: The principal at the school, Matt DeBoer, called the teachers and students heroes, noting it could have been “significantly worse” without their heroic actions. 

Minneapolis PD Chief: Robin Westman had manifesto on YouTube

2:53 p.m.: Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called this an “unthinkable tragedy” and wanted to provide the most accurate information possible at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.

O’Hara said there were 19 victims of the shooting. Two were children, 8 and 10, who were fatally shot. Another 14 children, between ages 6 and 15, were injured by gunfire. And three adults in their 80s who were attending mass were also shot. 

All the remaining victims are expected to survive. Their injuries do vary. 

O’Hara did not have a number of people who were in the church at the time of the shooting. 

“The coward who shot these victims took his own life,” O’Hara said, and identified the suspect as Robin Westman. All the guns had been lawfully purchased and were purchased “recently.” They believe the suspect acted alone.

O’Hara would not confirm Westman’s name change, only that he has confirmed the suspect’s name and age. 

Police are executing four search warrants, one at the church where the crime occurred and three others at residences in the Twin Cities metro related to the shooter. 

The shooter also had a manifesto posted on YouTube that appeared to show her at the scene and included some disturbing writings, O’Hara said. The video has been taken down with help from the FBI and is under review by investigators. 

Police are working to identify a motive for why this happened. They will use the manifesto posted on YouTube to aid in this investigation. When O’Hara was asked about this being a hate crime against Catholics, he said they do not have a motive right now.

Investigators can’t confirm a relationship between the suspect and his family to the church, but they’re investigating, O’Hara said.

Walz, Frey speak on shooting

2:50 p.m.: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at a press conference called the shooting tragic and said it should never have occurred. They also applauded the teachers, students, law enforcement and doctors who responded and are working to help those impacted by the shooting. 

Frey also addressed attacks against the trans community, saying “we should not be operating out of a place of hate for anyone,” stressing this needs to be about the children who are victims of this shooting. 

Walz noted he spoke with President Donald Trump following the shooting. 

Annunciation releases statement after shooting

2:45 p.m.: The Annunciation Church and School released the following statement: 

“We are navigating an impossible situation together at this time. No words can capture what we have gone through, what we are going through, and what we will go through in the coming days and weeks. But we will navigate this – together.

“This morning, a gunman began shooting into our church from the outside during Mass. You need to know that within seconds, our heroic staff moved students under the pews. Law enforcement responded quickly and evacuated all of our children and staff to safety in a matter of minutes when it was safe to do so.

“Tragically, we lost two of our beloved students before the scene was secured. A number of other children and parishioners were wounded, and they are being treated at area hospitals. Some have been treated and released. All staff are physically safe and accounted for.

“Please lift up these families and these children in prayer and surround them and each other with your love during this difficult time.

“Thank you to you, our school parents, for your patience and support in receiving your children this morning. Please continue to pray for those students who are still hospitalized.

“As we process and navigate this unfathomable time together, we will be in touch this weekend regarding when school will resume. Investigators and others are still on campus doing their essential work and we expect this to continue for some time.

“As we work with a myriad of professional agencies, we will send further communication about support services available to us all at a later time.

“In this time of darkness, let us commit to being the Light to our children, each other and our community. We will rebuild our future filled with hope – together.

“We love you.

“In partnership, in community, in Christ,

“Mr. Matthew D. DeBoer, Principal

“Fr. Dennis Zehren, Pastor”

Victim’s mom releases statement

2:40 p.m.: Danielle Gunter, the mom of an eighth-grade boy who was shot, released the following statement:

“Our hearts are shattered – not only for him, but for everyone who was harmed. We grieve and we pray: for the others who were shot, for their families, and for those who lost loved ones.

“And for the first responders, who raced into danger for others, for us. We thank them all. Our son shared with us that an MPD officer “really helped him.” He said the officer rendered aid, hugged him, reassured him, and prayed with him before getting into the ambulance.

“We ask for leaders to place armed security at schools to prevent another tragedy like this. There is no higher calling than keeping kids safe—and it starts with protecting them from evil in this world. 

“We feel the pain, the anger, the confusion, and the searing reality that our lives will never be the same. Yet we still have our child. 

“Unlike others, we are blessed to hold onto him. We will help him rebuild his life, his trust, and his confidence.

“We don’t want others to ever feel the same. And we pray that everyone touched by this tragedy can find the strength to begin rebuilding too.”

FBI investigating as act of domestic terrorism, hate crime targeting Catholics

2:28 p.m.: FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X on Wednesday saying, “The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.”

Walz orders flags at half-staff

2:12 p.m.: Gov. Tim Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings “immediately” to honor those who were killed at Annunciation Catholic School. 

“Minnesota is heartbroken by the senseless shooting that took place this morning,” said Gov. Walz. “I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence. To the officers and first responders, the clergy and teachers providing comfort, and the hospital staff saving lives – thank you. We will get through this together.”

First responder audio

2:09 p.m.: FOX 9 obtained first responder audio. Here is a snippet: 

[00:03:50] transporting one 10-year-old male. Red trauma, gunshot wound to the head, Minneapolis Children’s. He is currently vitally stable. Possibly was just grazed.

first responder audio: we have one suspect with a gunshot wound to the head, has a rifle and shotgun, he’s down right now.

Annunciation vigil at Holy Angels Wednesday night

1:53 p.m.: Annunciation posted on social media that there will be a 7 p.m. vigil at Holy Angels Wednesday night.

MPD to provide an update Wednesday afternoon

1:32 p.m.: The Minneapolis Police Department will share new details on the Minneapolis school shooting at 2:30 p.m. You can watch this live in the player at the top of the page.

Shooter’s mom worked at Annunciation

1:30 p.m.: FOX 9 has confirmed the suspect’s mom once worked at Annunciation.

Trump orders flags to fly at half-staff

1:13 p.m.: President Donald Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds after the deadly mass shooting at Annunciation school until sunset on Aug. 31.

Victim’s family releases statement

2:40 p.m.: Danielle Gunter, the mom of an eighth-grade boy injured in the shooting, released the following statement: 

“Our hearts are shattered – not only for him, but for everyone who was harmed. We grieve and we pray: for the others who were shot, for their families, and for those who lost loved ones.

“And for the first responders, who raced into danger for others, for us. We thank them all. Our son shared with us that an MPD officer “really helped him.” He said the officer rendered aid, hugged him, reassured him, and prayed with him before getting into the ambulance.

“We ask for leaders to place armed security at schools to prevent another tragedy like this. There is no higher calling than keeping kids safe—and it starts with protecting them from evil in this world. 

“We feel the pain, the anger, the confusion, and the searing reality that our lives will never be the same. Yet we still have our child. 

“Unlike others, we are blessed to hold onto him. We will help him rebuild his life, his trust, and his confidence.

“We don’t want others to ever feel the same. And we pray that everyone touched by this tragedy can find the strength to begin rebuilding too.”

Vigil planned for shooting victims Wednesday night

1:12 p.m.: A vigil is planned for 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lynnhurts Park for the victims of the Annunciation shooting, according to a Minneapolis City Council memeber.

7 children at Children’s Minnesota Hospital

12:46 p.m.: Children’s Minnesota Hospital confirmed to FOX News that seven children were admitted and one child has been discharged. 

Here’s the statement from the hospital: 

“Today, seven children between ages 9-16 were admitted to our hospital for care as a result of the tragic incident this morning. One patient has been discharged. Our thoughts are with all the victims, their families and loved ones in our communities who are impacted by yet another senseless act of violence.”

Hennepin Healthcare admitted 10 patients, including eight children ages 6-14, and two adults. Seven patients are in critical contidion at that hospital. 

Sources identify the suspect as Robin Westman

12:40 p.m.: Sources confirmed to The Associated Press that the shooter was Robin Westman. The official was not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation and spoke on a condition of anonymity. 

Hennepin Healthcare caring for 10 victims

12:15 p.m.: In an update on Wednesday, Hennepin Healthcare said it is caring for 10 victims from the shooting. 

One adult and six children are in critical condition. One adult and two children are being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. 

At a press conference earlier Wednesday, Dr. Tom Wyatt, the chair of the emergency department, said they were treating 11 patients. The correct number is 10 patients, the hospital clarified. 

Meanwhile, University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital is caring for at least one child victim, a doctor there told FOX 9. 

‘Minnesota is broken’

12:05 p.m.: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media, saying “Minnesota is broken. From the officers responding, to the clergy and teachers providing comfort, to the hospital staff saving lives, we will get through this together. Hug your kids close.”

Avoid the area near Annunciation Catholic School

11:54 a.m.: The Minneapolis Police Department is asking people to continue to avoid the area near the school, on West 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet avenues, as police continue to investigate and to give the victims privacy.

Police stressed there is no threat to public safety at this time.

11 patients, including kids ages 6-14, at HCMC

11:13 a.m.: Hennepin Healthcare at a press conference on Wednesday morning said it had received 11 patients, including two adults and nine children, ranging in age from 6 to 14. 

Four patients required the operating room.

Hospital officials did not provide details about their conditions, except to say that seven who were brought to the hospital were in critical condition and four patients required the operating room. 

Several non-critical patients were taken to Children’s Hospital. Patients were also taken to Masonic Children’s Hospital.

2 children killed, 17 people injured

10:55 a.m.: Mayor Jacob Frey called this an “unspeakable act,” adding, “children are dead. He said children and families should be able to go to school and church without fear. 

“Don’t say this is about thoughts and prayers right now, these kids were literally praying,” Frey said. 

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the shooting happened during mass marking the first week of school on Wednesday morning.

A gunman approached from outside and fired a rifle through the church windows as children sat in the pews. The suspect struck children and worshipers. The shooter was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol. 

This was a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshiping,” O’Hara said. 

Officers responded, entered the church and attempted to provide first aid and rescue children who were hiding throughout the building. 

Two young children, ages 8 and 10, were killed as they sat in the pews. seventeen other people were injured in 14 were kids. Two children are in critical condition. 

“The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” O’Hara said.

The gunman then took his own life. The shooter was in his early 20s. The suspect does not have an extensive criminal history. Police are investigating a potential motive, O’Hara said. 

“We believe he took his own life in the parking lot,” O’Hara said. “The question was, was he shooting outside and inside? He was absolutely shooting outside of the building on the side of the church, inside, through the windows. It appears he may have gone inside, but I don’t believe we’ve located any casings inside the building, so I’m not certain if he fired.”

The gunman did leave behind a vehicle, which police are searching.

5 children being treated after school shooting

10:17 a.m.: The Associated Press says five children are being treated at a Minneapolis hospital after being injured in the shooting.

Meanwhile, a DOJ official told Reuters that three people, including the shooter, are dead and about 20 people are injured. 

Minneapolis Council member Katie Cashman released the following statement: “This morning at Annunciation Church and Catholic School, someone shot and wounded multiple children and staff while they attended morning mass. At this moment, the shooter is contained. Our office is closely monitoring the situation and will share more information as it becomes available. I am absolutely horrified by the events unfolding this morning, and our office is here to support those who need it. This is a time to hold your loved ones close and check in with each other.”

Authorities to give update at 10:30 a.m.

10 a.m.: Minneapolis police plan to provide an update at 10:30 a.m. Watch it live in the player above. Meanwhile, HCMC will hold a briefing at 11 a.m.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:

“The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is actively assisting the Minneapolis Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in response to an incident that occurred earlier this morning at Annunciation Catholic School, located at 525 W. 54th St. in Minneapolis. At this time there is no immediate threat, but we urge all residents to stay out of the affected area to allow emergency responders to operate effectively. This is an evolving situation and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this act of violence.”

Richfield PD: 20 victims reported

9;53 a.m.: The Richfield Police Department, which neighbors Minneapolis, is reporting there are 20 victims. 

“A man dressed in all black and armed with a rifle was reported at the scene,” the Richfield PD said.

The Minneapolis Police Department has not said how many victims there are. 

Trump has been briefed

9:50 a.m.: President Donald Trump says he has been fully briefed on the shooting and the FBI has responded. 

“The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation.”

Parents can take students from scene

9:40 a.m.: Parents are allowed to take their children from the scene of the shooting. 

Shooting suspect dead, no active threat to community

9:31 a.m.: FOX 9 sources confirm the suspect is dead. 

The City of Minneapolis posted the following on social media: “There is an active police situation at Annunciation Church, 509 W. 54th St. There is no active threat to the community at this time. The shooter is contained. Stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to help victims – W. 54th Street between Lyndale and Nicollet Ave.”

FBI responding to Minneapolis school shooting

9:20 a.m.: FBI says it is responding to the scene.

65 units responded to church, school

9:25 a.m.: According to Minneapolis PD’s 911 dashboard, more than 65 units responded to the scene. The first report came in at 8:27 a.m.

Neighbors heard what sounded like gunfire

9:21 a.m.: Neighbors told FOX 9 they heard so much gunfire they didn’t even call it in because they figured it was someone roofing their house. 

Neighbors also said children from the school were in mass.

‘Active shooter situation’

9:10 a.m. ATF says it is responding to the church in south Minneapolis.

“ATF agents are responding to reports of an active shooter situation at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis.”

Frey comments on shooting

9:10 a.m. Frey shared a post about the shooting: 

“I’m monitoring reports of horrific violence in South Minneapolis. I’m in touch with Chief O’Hara and our emergency response team has been activated. We will share more information as soon as we can. Please give our officers the space they need to respond to the situation.”

Walz comments on shooting

9:10 a.m.: Gov. Walz tweeted: 

“I’ve been briefed on a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School and will continue to provide updates as we get more information. The BCA and State Patrol are on scene. I’m praying for our kids and teachers whose first week of school was marred by this horrific act of violence.”

Large police presence

9 a.m.:

There’s a large police presence in South Minneapolis. The Minnesota State Patrol, Hennepin County EMS and other authorities are at the scene. 

Annunciation Church and School shootingMinneapolisMass ShootingsCrime and Public Safety