By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - August 28, 2025

A mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on the third day of the new school year occurred during morning mass on August 27. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, was later found dead by suicide behind the church.

The shooting took place as approximately 200 students, teachers, and parents listened to a psalm. "Just before the congregants were to proclaim 'Alleluia,' bullets blasted through the windows," according to The Associated Press. A shouted warning of “Down! Everybody down!” prompted children to seek cover behind pews. A man who lived near the church stated he heard as many as 50 shots. The victims included two children, ages 8 and 10, who were killed. Seventeen other people were wounded, including children as young as 6 and parishioners in their 80s. Of the wounded, 14 were children. Police stated that all are expected to survive. 

Later in the evening, thousands of people gathered at a vigil to mourn as a community. 

In response to the tragedy, Governor Tim Walz has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags at all state buildings to fly at half-staff. The proclamation encourages individuals, businesses, and other organizations to lower their flags as well. Further guidance on when the flags will be returned to full staff will be provided at a later date. President Donald Trump also ordered flags to be lowered on all federal buildings nationwide. 

In a release, Governor Walz said, "Minnesota is heartbroken by the senseless shooting that took place this morning... We will get through this together."

President Donald Trump, Congressman Pete Stauber, Senator Tina Smith, and Senator Amy Klobuchar have each released statements on social media regarding the shooting.

President Trump posted, "The FBI quickly responded, and they are on the scene. The White House will continue to monitor this terrible situation. Please join me in praying for everyone involved." It was reported that the President also called Governor Walz, and the two men spoke with each other. 

Congressman Stauber stated that he was "heartbroken by the horrific news" and is "praying for the kids, parents, and teachers at Annunciation Catholic School, and for the first responders on the scene."

Senator Smith said she is "continuing to monitor the horrific shooting" and is "in close touch with local officials." She expressed gratitude for the police and first responders, adding that her "heart is breaking for my beloved Minneapolis." In a separate post, Senator Smith also urged people to "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." She concluded by stating, "All of Minnesota is with you."

Senator Klobuchar commented that she was "heartbroken by the horrific violence" and that her "prayers are with the students, teachers, and families." She also expressed gratitude for the first responders.

Following the tragedy, some people used social media to encourage others to donate blood. Earlier this month, Memorial Blood Centers announced a blood emergency in Minnesota, stating that the state's blood inventory was below a two-day supply, falling short of the typical seven-day supply needed to meet hospital and patient needs. All blood types are needed, with a more critical shortage of O-negative and O-positive types.

Blood donations are used to help people suffering from trauma, those undergoing surgeries, cancer treatments, and other medical needs.

In Cook County, a blood drive will be held at the Cook County YMCA on September 18th and 19th. For those on the west end of the county, a blood drive will be held at Silver Bay High School on September 17th.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, you can visit the Memorial Blood Center website. You can also see if you are eligible to give blood.