Minneapolis Catholic School shooting is the phrase gripping search bars and social feeds after a gunman opened fire during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in south Minneapolis. As of the latest official briefings, two children (ages 8 and 10) were killed and 17 others were injured (14 children and 3 adults).
The suspect, identified by police as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities say the shooter fired from outside through church windows using multiple firearms.
Because breaking stories often move faster than verification, this guide collects confirmed details from primary sources and major outlets, highlights key quotes, and then squarely addresses the swirl of rumors about motives, media commentary, and federal health policy that erupted in the hours after the attack. If you read nothing else, know this: officials have not yet announced a motive, and some widely circulated claims are unverified or incorrect.
What happened and when
According to Minneapolis police and multiple confirmations from national newsrooms, the shooting occurred during a weekday Mass tied to the first week of school. Police say the assailant approached the church, fired through windows with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and fled only to die by suicide moments later. Initial casualty counts varied in the first hour (as they often do), but the figure now cited by city officials and hospital spokespeople is 2 dead, 17 injured.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the city in emotional remarks, noting the grim irony that “these kids were literally praying” when the gunfire erupted—his way of urging action beyond platitudes. Video of the mayor’s remarks and multiple reports corroborate the quote.
Victims, families, and community response
Accounts from onlookers and parents are harrowing. ABC News reported that an injured girl asked a bystander simply to hold her hand; a fifth grader told another outlet that a friend shielded him during the attack, taking rounds in the process.
Hospitals treated pediatric patients with gunshot wounds, and clergy quickly organized vigils and counselling resources. The Archdiocese and Pope Leo XIV expressed condolences; local parishes mobilized donations and meals for families waiting in emergency rooms.
Governor Tim Walz called the shooting a “horrific act of violence” and pledged ongoing updates; the White House and congressional leaders also issued statements of sympathy. These messages will likely be followed by the more practical announcements families look for: funeral assistance, trauma counselling, and school reopening plans.
What we know about the suspect
Police have identified the shooter as Robin Westman (23). At press time, officials have not announced a motive. Reporting indicates the firearms used were lawfully purchased, a detail investigator disclosed while urging the public to avoid conjecture until the full investigative timeline is known. If you see viral posts about manifestos or ideological lists, treat them as unconfirmed unless you can trace them to police briefings or mainstream outlets citing officials.
“Thoughts and prayers,” faith, and a viral quote
Some posts claim that an MSNBC host called prayer “nonsense” or a “lie.” We found no evidence of that phrasing in credible transcripts or clips. What did happen: MSNBC’s Jen Psaki became emotional on air and argued that “prayers are not enough,” a sentiment echoed by the mayor’s “these kids were literally praying” line—both calls for action in addition to prayer, not mockery of faith itself.
Coverage from mainstream outlets documents those comments; opinion sites framed them more aggressively. Distinguish between editorial spin and direct quotes.
Rumors about identity and motive
Social posts rushed to label the shooter’s gender identity and religion and to ascribe political motives. As of this writing, police have not confirmed a motive. Reputable outlets caution that identity speculation remains unverified and often proves wrong in the first 24–48 hours. Until investigators release substantiated findings, we should resist the urge to fill in blanks—especially with screenshots of now-deleted accounts that can’t be authenticated.
Where the debate moved next: policy and SSRIs
Within hours, posts claimed that HHS would “launch studies” into SSRIs (antidepressants) because of the Minneapolis shooting. For context: in February 2025, the Trump administration created a commission to examine the impact of various medications used by children—including antidepressants—and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he intended to scrutinize their safety and usage. That pre-existing initiative is real.
However, as of this publication, we have not seen an official, new HHS announcement tying fresh SSRIs studies specifically to the Minneapolis attack. We’ll update as warranted, but the safe summary is: the review effort predates this tragedy.
It’s also fair to add the scientific context: major reviews continue to find that SSRIs are generally safe and effective when used as prescribed, while cautioning about side effects and the importance of supervised care—especially for adolescents. Policymakers may debate correlations, but that’s distinct from proving causation in individual crimes.
Keep an eye on HHS and peer-reviewed publications rather than viral threads for changes to clinical guidance. For a clear, mainstream primer on the earlier policy stance, see ABC News’ explainer.
Separate development: Air Force honors for Ashli Babbitt
Another item trending alongside Minneapolis news is the Air Force’s decision to grant military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by police during the U.S. Capitol riot. Reputable outlets report that the service reversed a prior denial and follows a near-$5 million federal settlement of her family’s wrongful-death lawsuit announced in May.
This is separate from the Minneapolis investigation, but it helps explain why social media feeds were saturated with high-intensity political content as the school shooting story evolved.
How to read breaking news without getting burned
- Favor primary briefings: City of Minneapolis press conferences and feeds from police/fire are the authoritative baseline in the first 24 hours.
- Use multiple mainstream outlets: ABC News, AP, and local CBS/KARE/MPR provide cross-checks that correct early errors.
- Beware of screenshots: Unverified “manifestos,” clipped quotes, and identity claims often collapse under scrutiny.
- Bookmark a living timeline: PBS NewsHour is maintaining an updates page tracking official statements and numbers.
What we still don’t know
Investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive. They haven’t disclosed the suspect’s mental health history, nor have they authenticated any alleged online postings. Expect updates on the firearms trace, the exact sequence of shots, and a fuller accounting of the emergency response timeline. The city has promised to publish more details as they’re verified, not just heard.
What comes next for families and the school
In the days ahead, look for coordinated announcements on grief counseling, classroom relocation plans, and security support. Faith leaders will likely host additional vigils. If you want to help, check the parish and school’s official channels rather than third-party fundraisers; misdirected generosity is a real problem after mass tragedies. City and hospital spokespeople will post verified portals for donations, blood drives, and meal trains.
The bottom line
The Minneapolis Catholic School shooting left two young children dead and families shattered. The facts we have are stark—and they are enough to honor the victims without importing unverified narratives.
As the investigation continues, rely on primary briefings and mainstream reporting for updates, and be cautious about posts that stitch together ideology, mental health, and medication into instant conclusions. The community needs space for grief, and the country needs accuracy if it hopes to craft policy that prevents the next tragedy.
