MINNEAPOLIS — Authorities collected at least 40 bullet fragments from Annunciation Catholic Church following a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, has devastated the community and raised numerous questions about motive and prevention.
Law enforcement discovered the bullet fragments scattered around the church’s pews and sanctuary, as detailed in a search warrant filed in district court. Alongside the fragments, police retrieved at least 10 ammunition magazines, which included both empty and full rifle and pistol magazines.
Among the weapons collected at the scene were a Mossberg pump-action shotgun, a Taurus semi-automatic 9mm pistol, a Magpul semi-automatic rifle, and a knife. Authorities have identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a resident of a Minneapolis suburb. Westman’s acquisition of the firearms was found to be legal, and he had no known criminal background, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
Tragically, Westman died by suicide in the church, where he was located alongside firearms and a piece of wood equipped with smoke canisters. Investigators discovered a cellphone in a nearby Dodge Ram that contained documents belonging to him. Surveillance footage from the church reportedly captured part of the shooting, adding to the evidence being examined by authorities.
Witnesses and investigative sources revealed that Westman had visited the church weeks prior to the shooting, suggesting he may have conducted surveillance in preparation for the attack. While investigators have yet to determine a clear motive, they have noted an obsession with mass shooters evident in Westman’s writings.
The two young victims, eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Moyski, were among those who lost their lives in this horrific event. In addition to the deceased, 15 other children and three elderly adults sustained injuries during the attack, further deepening the community’s grief.
Officials continue to urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as the investigation unfolds. The community’s response to the shooting has highlighted the need for support for the victims and their families during this challenging time.