Global Justice Institute Bishops Denounce Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School

From today’s events via Getty Images

August 27, 2025 | For Immediate Release

Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minnesota experienced deadly gunfire this morning.

A shooter opened fire during a Mass that was being held to mark the beginning of the school year. The shooter fired multiple weapons from outside the church, through the windows, at the people inside. Two children were killed (may angels receive them and may God hold their families close), and fourteen more were injured as were three octogenarians (God bless them). It is believed that all the injured will survive. 

The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Roman Catholics.

There are reports that the shooter’s weapons had etched into them anti-Jewish, anti-Hispanic, and anti-African American terms.

Added to this deplorable crime of ugly hatred is the outrage of people using the incident to incite further hatred against transgender people. 

Robin’s name was once Robert, but it was legally changed in 2020 to Robin. 2019 court documents show that Robin identified as female and she wanted a name that reflected that. Name changes and gender expansiveness do not cause nor encourage violence of any sort. 

Robin was also Caucasian, and American, as are the overwhelming majority of mass shooters. To ignore those facts while trying to use an attacker’s possible Trans* experience and identity to demonize transgender people is simply another act of unjustified hatred, an attempt at gaslighting.

The shooter was apparently an overt racist and antisemite, and seemingly anti-Christian (Robin attacked a Christian Mass). The shooter’s gender is irrelevant.

This shooting comes as the Minneapolis area has seen a recent increase in gun violence. The Council of Bishops of the Global Justice Institute continues to pray for sane gun safety laws and policies and for the healing of the epidemic of violence in our nation. May God grant us wisdom and compassion in these turbulent days. And may we be willing to become the answer to our prayers.

In Christ’s service,

Global Justice Institute Council of Bishops

Presiding Bishop, Pat Bumgardner, GJI Founder

Bishop Jim Merrit (Eastern Europe)

Bishop Robert Griffin (Africa & Caribbean)

Bishop Durrell Watkins, Communications Director (& Trans* Advocacy)

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