MINNEAPOLIS, Aug 29 — Investigators are working around the clock to piece together the motive behind a horrifying mass shooting that took place during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. The Aug 27 attack left two children dead, 15 more injured, and the city in mourning.

Authorities say the 23-year-old suspect, Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after opening fire during the all-school religious service. Among the victims were an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old, who were killed while seated in the pews.

Online Obsession with Violence

Westman’s social media and YouTube content reveal a disturbing fascination with guns, mass shooters, and extremist ideologies. Investigators found a sketch of the church interior, suggesting premeditation, and posts containing racist and anti-Semitic language, transgender flags, and slogans such as “Defend Equality.” Portions of a digital journal were also written in Cyrillic, used in Russian and other Slavic languages, which could suggest international influences.

Westman, who transitioned from male to female at age 17, was reportedly a former student at the school and the child of a former staff member.

“Senseless and Unthinkable”

Police Chief Brian O’Hara acknowledged the complex nature of the investigation.

“We haven't identified a single, specific motive. What we do know is that this tragedy is completely senseless and unthinkable,” he said.

He also noted that locked church doors likely prevented an even greater loss of life.

“Not being able to enter the sanctuary likely saved countless lives,” O’Hara said on NBC’s “Today” show.

Casualties and Medical Updates

As of Aug 28:

• 9 victims remain at Hennepin County Medical Center

  • 5 children in stable condition

  • 1 adult and 1 child in serious condition

  • 1 child in critical condition

• 3 more children are recovering at Children’s Minnesota

A City in Grief

The attack came just days after the school year began, adding to Minneapolis’ already heavy toll of violence, which includes a state senator’s assassination in June and a surge in gun-related incidents across the city.

Long-Term Trauma for Survivors

The students of Annunciation Catholic School now join the nearly 400,000 children in the U.S. exposed to school gun violence. Mental health experts say survivors often face long-term psychological effects, including anxiety, fear, guilt, and difficulty processing trauma.

“These kids are forever changed,” one child psychologist noted. “They’ve experienced something no child should ever endure.”