2 children killed, 17 injured after shooter opened fire during school Mass in US, gunman shoots self

The shooting happened just two days after classes began at Annunciation Catholic School, a private elementary school with about 395 students. The school is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in southeast Minneapolis.

At least two children died and 17 others were injured in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, according to the US Justice Department. Officials said the gunman, identified as Robin Westman, killed himself at the back of the church after opening fire. Among the victims were two children, aged 8 and 10, who lost their lives.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said that two other children are in critical condition, while 14 of the injured are also children. Nine victims are being treated at a nearby trauma center.

Authorities said the shooter was carrying a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol, and fired multiple rounds through the church windows.

The attack came just two days after the private elementary school, which has about 395 students, reopened for the new academic year. Police described the incident as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children.”

President Trump reacts to school shooting, orders flags o be flown at half-staff

US President Donald Trump expressed his condolences after the tragic school shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and confirmed that the FBI is on the scene. He said the White House is closely watching the situation.

“I have been fully briefed on the tragic shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.

As a mark of respect for the victims, Trump issued a proclamation ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff. This order applies to the White House, all federal buildings, military posts, naval stations, ships, and US embassies worldwide, and will remain in effect through Sunday, August 31, 2025.

“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,” Trump wrote.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Two children, ages 8 and 10, are dead after a shooter opened fire during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in US.
2. The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, 23, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
3. US President Donald Trump said that the FBI was on the scene. He said that the White House was monitoring the situation.
4. Trump issued a proclamation ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff. The order, made “as a mark of respect for the victims.