FBI investigates Minneapolis school shooting as anti-Catholic hate crime

August 28, 2025

A shooting at Minneapolis' Annunciation Church has left two children dead and 17 injured, with the FBI investigating it as an anti-Catholic hate crime and act of domestic terrorism. The attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired dozens of shots through the church windows using three firearms during a morning Mass before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police Chief Brian O'Hara described the attack as a "deliberate act of violence against innocent children and other people worshipping," though authorities have not yet released a suspected motive.

Who is affected

Two children aged eight and 10 who were killed
17 other people who were injured
Students and staff of Annunciation Church and school
Catholic worshippers
The Minneapolis community, particularly those attending the Mass
Families and friends of victims
Mourners visiting the scene

What action is being taken

The FBI is investigating the shooting as "an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics"
Police are investigating whether the suspect shot inside the building or if all shots came from outside
Authorities have deleted a note that Westman scheduled to publish online at the time of the shooting
The White House is flying the US flag at half-mast as a show of respect to the victims
Mourners are arriving at the scene, leaving flowers

Why it matters

The attack represents targeted violence against a religious community during worship
It occurred at a school setting with young children present, highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions
The investigation as a hate crime indicates concerns about religiously-motivated violence
The incident adds to the pattern of mass shootings in the United States, which Governor Walz described as "all too common"
The attack has drawn national attention, including responses from high-level officials like the Pope, President, and FBI Director

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC