Investigators say the gunman who opened fire on children during prayer at a Minneapolis church was “obsessed with the idea of killing children.”
Robin Westman, 23, killed two children and injured 18 others at the Annunciation Church, which also houses a school. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Westman did not appear to have a specific motive. “More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children,” the chief said, adding that the attacker “appeared to hate all of us.”
The two children who were killed have been identified as Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10. Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, said: “We will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming. Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and sports. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You’ll always be with us.”
Harper Moyski’s parents described their daughter as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved,” adding that her younger sister “adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss.” They called for action to prevent gun violence: “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain… Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper’s story does not become another in a long line of tragedies.”
Officials said Westman, who previously attended the church school and whose mother had worked there, approached the side of the building and fired dozens of shots through the windows with three firearms. A smoke bomb was also found at the scene. The suspect died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said the attacker expressed hate toward multiple groups, including the Jewish community and former President Donald Trump. Westman left a note, though officials said a definitive motive may never be known. “I won’t dignify the attacker’s words by repeating them; they are horrific and vile,” Thompson said.
Westman, who legally changed their name from Robert to Robin in 2020, had a history of fascination with mass shootings. Chief O’Hara urged news outlets to stop using the shooter’s name, stating, “The purpose of the shooter’s actions was to obtain notoriety.”
FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as “an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology,” noting that the attacker left anti-Catholic and anti-religious references, as well as statements targeting Jewish people and President Trump, on guns and in notes.
Authorities confirmed that Westman lived in suburban Minneapolis and that three residences associated with them were searched. The church had locked its doors before Mass began, likely saving lives. All firearms used were legally purchased, and the suspect was not on any government watchlist. Officials are not aware of any diagnosed mental health conditions or treatments.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes. Patrick Scallen, who lives nearby, saw children fleeing the church, including a girl with a head wound who cried, “Please hold my hand, don’t leave me.” Vincent Francoual, whose 11-year-old daughter was inside during the shooting, said the attack highlights the U.S. pattern of mass shootings. “We live in a country where we train kids what to do. And she did what she had to do,” he said, adding that his daughter is now afraid to return to school or church.
In response, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other lawmakers have called for an assault weapons ban. “There is no reason someone should be able to reel off 30 shots before they even have to reload,” the mayor said, emphasizing the lethality of high-capacity firearms compared with standard hunting rifles.
