Two Children Killed, 17 Injured in Minneapolis Church Shooting; Gunman Leaves Extremist Messages

Washington, August 28, 2025: A horrific mass shooting during a school prayer gathering inside a Minneapolis church on Wednesday left two young children dead and 17 others injured.

Police said the attacker, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, entered the church with multiple firearms and opened fire on children and worshippers. An 8-year-old and a 10-year-old were killed instantly while sitting on church benches. Among the injured were 14 children and three elderly people.

The gunman later shot himself in the church parking lot. Authorities confirmed the firearms including a rifle and a pistol were legally purchased. Westman, who was born male as Robert Westman before legally changing identity in 2023, had no prior criminal record.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the incident a “deliberate act targeting innocent children and worshippers.” The FBI confirmed the gunman acted alone.

Investigators recovered disturbing writings from Westman’s belongings. A manifesto posted on YouTube, later removed, contained hateful remarks against Israel and India. One of the firearms was inscribed with messages such as “Drop a nuclear bomb on India” and “Israel must fall,” along with violent references to children. Officials said the materials suggest a mix of extremist ideology and psychological distress.

This incident marks the 58th school-related shooting in the US this year, once again intensifying debate over gun violence, extremism, and child safety.