Shooting at Annunciation Catholic School
On August 27, 2025, 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through the stained-glass windows of Annunciation Catholic School’s church in Minneapolis at 8:30 a.m., killing two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, and wounding 18 others. Westman died by suicide at the scene. Police are investigating the motive behind this tragic attack.
Efforts to Contact Suspect’s Mother
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that authorities have been unable to speak with Mary Grace Westman, the suspect’s mother, despite ongoing efforts. “I know we have not been successful in talking to the shooter’s mother, yet, at this time,” O’Hara said during a Thursday press conference. Mary Grace has retained criminal defense attorney Ryan Garry, known for representing George Floyd protesters alongside NFL star Colin Kaepernick.
Mary Grace Westman’s Background
Mary Grace Westman worked as a secretary at Annunciation Catholic School for five years, retiring in 2021, according to church social media posts. Her brother, Robert Heleringer, a former Kentucky Republican representative, has written about their strict Catholic upbringing. When asked about her hiring an attorney, Garry told Fox News, “She is completely distraught about the situation and has no culpability but is seeking an attorney to deal with calls like this.”
Suspect’s Profile and Neighborhood Reaction
Robin Westman, who identified as female and legally changed her name from Robert in 2020, had no prior criminal history. Neighbors in the Richmond suburb, where police searched the Westman residence, expressed shock. Jim White, a neighbor, described the family as friendly, noting, “I never saw anything that would have suggested anything like this was possible. It is extremely surreal.”
Investigation into Motive
Police are analyzing a journal believed to belong to Westman, containing writings in English and Cyrillic that express a desire to target “a big assembly on the first day of school” and a “morbid obsession” with past school shooters. Entries also reveal self-hatred and suicidal thoughts. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind this devastating act of violence.
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