Authorities have identified the shooter responsible for Wednesday’s deadly attack at Annunciation Church and Catholic School as 23-year-old Robin Westman, formerly known as Robert Westman.
Shooter’s Identity
Court records show that Westman legally changed his name at age 17 in 2020 after stating he identified as female. He was a Minnesota resident with no prior serious criminal record reported publicly at this time.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and handgun, opened fire on students and parishioners during morning mass, killing at least two children and injuring 14 children and three adults.
Manifesto and Social Media Posts
Investigators are reviewing a series of disturbing videos posted to a YouTube account under the name “Robin W” hours before the attack.
The videos appeared to show Westman whispering and laughing while displaying weapons with anti-Christian and political slogans written on them.
One firearm was reportedly marked with the phrase “Kill Donald Trump.”
Another video showed a target with an image of Jesus Christ’s face on it.
A sticker with the transgender flag and a rifle reading “Defend Equality” also appeared in the footage.
YouTube removed the videos shortly after 11 a.m. ET, but screenshots and copies continue circulating on social media.
You can watch copy of the videos below:
YouTube removed this video. I have a copy. This is the manifesto of Robin Westman.
This video is banned on YouTube. @lookner @AZ_Intel_ @rawsalerts @IntelPointAlert #breaking #robinwestman pic.twitter.com/mrXhsBwTUk
— Austin Ayers (@RealAustinAyers) August 27, 2025
This is an 11 minute video posted by the school shooter today in Minneapolis. It was posted 2 hours ago on a YouTube channel named Robin W.
In it he shows a manifesto and an arsenal of guns with writing on them while laughing maniacally.
Robin M. Westman had “Israel must fall”… pic.twitter.com/47cDcvvBAh
— Tommy B. 🇺🇸 (@realtommybibi) August 27, 2025
🚨 BREAKING: MINNEAPOLIS CHURCH SHOOTER CONFIRMED TO BE TRANS IDENTIFYING MAN, ROBIN WESTMAN 🇺🇸
MULTIPLE EERIE VIDEOS HAVE ALSO SURFACED INCLUDING THIS ONE OF A MANIFESTO 😲
IS IT TIME TO RECOGNIZE GENDER DYSPHORIA AS A MENTAL ILLNESS AGAIN? pic.twitter.com/rtHCzfSqwV
— BRITAIN IS BROKEN 🇬🇧 (@BROKENBRITAIN0) August 27, 2025
Law Enforcement and Federal Response
Police say the attack appears to have been targeted at Catholic worshippers, though the investigation is ongoing. Federal officials, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting Minneapolis police in reviewing the alleged manifesto and firearms evidence.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on X that federal agents are “on the scene and reviewing all digital evidence.”
