Who is Robin Westman? What to know about the Minneapolis school shooter

The tragic Annunciation Catholic School shooting in Minneapolis has left two children dead and a community in mourning. Authorities identified the gunman as 28-year-old Robin Westman, who posted a disturbing manifesto on YouTube before the attack.

The case has raised urgent questions about Westman’s motives, his background, and how such a tragedy unfolded inside a school where his own mother once worked.

The Attack at Annunciation Catholic School

On Tuesday, Westman entered Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis and opened fire, killing two children and injuring several others before being taken into custody. The shooting sent shockwaves through the city and reignited the national debate on school safety and gun violence.

Police said Westman was heavily armed and appeared to have planned the attack in advance. Parents and staff described the chaos as children were rushed out of classrooms and law enforcement swarmed the building.

Who Was Robin Westman?

Authorities identified the suspect as Robin Westman, age 28, a Minneapolis resident with ties to the school. His mother worked at Annunciation Catholic School, and investigators believe that personal connection may have influenced his choice of target.

Little is known publicly about Westman’s professional or personal life, but early reports suggest he had no prior criminal record. Police are now piecing together his mental health history and social media activity.

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The YouTube Manifesto

Hours before the shooting, Westman uploaded a manifesto-style video on YouTube, in which he ranted about religion, politics, and personal grievances.

Investigators say the video contained alarming rhetoric and references to violence, signaling premeditation. YouTube has since removed the footage, but authorities are analyzing its content for clues about Westman’s motivations.

This digital trail adds another layer of concern about how online platforms are used to signal violent intent before tragedies occur.

Connection to the School

Westman’s mother was employed at Annunciation Catholic School, though she was not present during the shooting. Police believe that this family connection could have played a role in why Westman targeted the location.

The link has left the school community devastated, as a trusted staff member’s family member carried out the act of violence. It has also fueled broader conversations about security protocols and insider risks in school environments.

Community Response and National Impact

The Minneapolis shooting has drawn condemnation from political leaders, educators, and community groups. Vigils have been organized in memory of the victims, while calls for stronger gun control laws have intensified once again.

For many, the case underscores the urgent need to address mental health, access to firearms, and early warning signs of violence.

Parents in Minneapolis and across the nation are grappling with renewed fears over school safety, as another community is left to mourn lives cut short by gunfire.

Robin Westman’s deadly attack at Annunciation Catholic School is a grim reminder of the ongoing crisis of school shootings in the United States. His manifesto, family connection to the school, and the resulting tragedy are now at the center of an investigation that will likely shape policy conversations at both state and national levels.