Reaction from across Minnesota and the country is pouring in after a tragic morning in south Minneapolis. Two children are dead, another 17 people are injured after a mass shooting at Annunciation Church, which was filled with students Wednesday morning.
The shooter, 23-year old Robin Westman, is dead of a self-inflicted gunshot. Police continue to investigate after Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol — approached the side of the church and shot dozens of rounds through the windows toward the children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School just before 8:30 a.m.
Here is the latest:
Pope Leo expresses sorrow over shooting in letter to Archbishop Hebda
Pope Leo XIV has expressed "profound sorrow" upon learning of the loss of life and injuries following the shooting that took place at Annunciation Church.
"My 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. While commending the souls of the deceased children to the love of Almighty God, His Holiness prays for the wounded as well as the first responders, medical personnel and clergy who are caring for them and their loved ones. At this extremely difficult time, the Holy Father imparts to the Annunciation Catholic School Community, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis and the people of the greater twin cities metropolitan area his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace, fortitude and consolation in the Lord Jesus."
FBI involvement
FBI Director Kash Patel has announced on social media that the FBI is getting involved in the investigation and will be investigating this shooting as an act of "domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics."
"FBI agents are on scene, and we ask everyone to keep potential victims, civilians or law enforcement in harm’s way in your prayers," Patel said earlier on Wednesday.
Our federal agents are on the scene of the horrific shooting at the Annunciation Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota," Attorney General Pam Bondi added. "My prayers are with everyone involved in this tragedy. Our team will provide updates as we receive them."
White House Proclamation
President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation honoring the victims of the shooting.
"As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on August 27, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, August 31, 2025. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
"IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth."
DONALD J. TRUMP
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz orders flags at half-staff
Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in the State of Minnesota immediately, in honor of the lives lost to gun violence at Annunciation Catholic School.
“Minnesota is heartbroken by the senseless shooting that took place this morning,” said Governor 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.”
Individuals, businesses, and other organizations are also encouraged to join in lowering their flags. Additional guidance on when flags will be raised will be provided at a later date.
The Governor’s proclamation can be found here.
Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar responds
Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke to WCCO's Susie Jones Wednesday afternoon and passed along her thoughts.
"Well, just those little kids, just at school, excited about, you know, their first week and just picture them in mass. And they are all there together, these from the youngest to the middle school with people. They of course love their new teachers, there was a priest and their faith leaders and then to have all that just shattered. And I think any parent thinks of dropping their kids off at school and Knowing that this is a safe place and it was not the fault of this school by any means.
I mean this a mad man armed with guns that he should not have had, literally guns them down while they're praying in church. So my first thought was with those families, obviously the ones that are waiting for their kids right now who are on an operating table hanging on to their lives.
Of the families of the 8 and 10-year old that was killed, and then also the first responders that got there to the massacre and got these kids in ambulances, these incredible nurses and doctors that are doing everything to save their lives. So all of that, it's the immediate families, it's the church family, it is the school family. But it's also that entire community that's so tightly connected from schools to shops to families to neighborhoods.
So that's on my mind.
And then of course, how can we make this better? And in terms of how did this person who was so clearly unbalanced get hold of these guns and did they get them from someone? Did he buy them? What kind of guns were they? It's a little too early to know any of that, but it just seems like these things keep happening and nothing gets done, and I think it's way past time for that."
Terrifying experience for a 6th Grader
A terrifying scene inside Annunciation Church Wednesday morning. This 6th grader describing what it was like and what happened afterwards.
"I'm scared," the child said. "Teachers let us out and into safe places."
"You just don't think this is gonna happen in your community," the child's mother told WCCO's Susie Jones through tears.
Minnesota and U.S. political leaders respond
Minnesota Rep. Pete Stauber: "I am heartbroken by the horrific news coming out of Minneapolis this morning. I am praying for the kids, parents, and teachers at Annunciation Catholic School, and for the first responders on the scene."
Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer: "Our prayers are with the victims, their families, and first responders on the scene."
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith: "Please send all of your prayers and strength to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff caring for these children and the families in those waiting rooms. All of Minnesota is with you."
Rep. Michelle Fischbach: "It is tragic to hear the news about Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis this morning. I’m grateful to the emergency personnel for their response to this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this horrific situation."
Rep. Angie Craig: Cheryl and I are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of a shooting this morning in South Minneapolis. We are grateful to the first responders on the scene, and praying for the kids, families and teachers affected by this horrific act of violence. I am in touch with state and local officials and will be closely monitoring the situation."
Rep. Ilhan Omar: "I am beyond heartbroken over the tragic news of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. I am praying for all the families impacted by this horrific tragedy. I will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates."
Rep. Betty McColllum: "It’s devastating to learn that innocent children were fired on as they sat in pews during mass. My heart breaks for the two children who were killed and for the 17 other victims injured. These children, teachers, and their families need our prayers and our full support."
Rep. Brad Finstad: "Thank you to the numerous law enforcement personnel responding to this heartbreaking scene this morning. Keeping the students, teachers, and all of Minnesota in my prayers in the wake of today's horrific violence."
Rep. Kelly Morrison: "Horrified by the unthinkable act of violence this morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. My thoughts are with the children and teachers and all their loved ones. Grateful to the first responders on the scene. Praying for everyone’s safety."
Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan: "My heart goes out to all those affected by the terrifying act of violence at Annunciation Catholic school this morning. I'm grateful to the law enforcement who responded. Please join me in praying for the victims and the families of the Annunciation community."
Minnesota Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth: "Please join me in praying for the children, families and staff at Annunciation Catholic School, and for all of the law enforcement and medical personnel responding to this morning's horrific event."
Vice President JD Vance: "We’re at the WH monitoring the situation in Minneapolis. Join all of us in praying for the victims!"