FBI: School Shooter Targeted Religion in Hate-Fueled Attack
The suspect in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School expressed hatred of Christianity in writings and videos released before the attack, federal officials said Wednesday.
According to investigators, 23-year-old Robin Westman posted a lengthy manifesto on YouTube that included images and writings mocking Christian faith. One image showed a picture of Jesus Christ pinned to a body target, while one of his firearm magazines bore the words “Where is Your God?” written in marker.
This is Christian persecution. This is Christian HATE.
This what the Minneapolis Catholic Church shooter posted to YouTube. A gun with “Where is your God?” written on it. A target with Jesus Christ’s face on it.
The same gun that was used to kill children attending a church… pic.twitter.com/5X5E4ehBG1
— The Nazarene Fund (@thenazarenefund) August 27, 2025
In a recovered notebook, authorities found a drawing of what appeared to be Westman speaking to a “demon” in a mirror. The figure in the sketch advised him to take his own life, according to investigators.
This is more than mental illness,
this is demonic possession.– "Кто?" = "Who?"
– "Когда это закончится?" = "When will this end?"
– "Помоги мне!" = "Help me!"
– "Я не хочу." = "I don't want to."
– "Помоги" = "Help"
– "Убей себя убей" = "Kill yourself kill" pic.twitter.com/1aWLBsu8yH— Harrison Krank (@HarrisonKrank) August 27, 2025
FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the case is being investigated as both an act of domestic terrorism and an anti-Catholic hate crime.
Updates on the shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota:
The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
There were 2 fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and 3 adults were injured.
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) August 27, 2025
“The FBI is investigating this shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics. There were two fatalities, an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old. In addition, 14 children and three adults were injured,” Patel said. “The shooter has been identified as Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman. The FBI will continue to provide updates on our ongoing investigation with the public as we are able.”
Westman opened fire during a school Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others before dying by suicide at the scene, authorities said.
Investigators are reviewing hundreds of pages of material and online postings recovered from Westman’s devices and residence to determine the full scope of his motives and influences.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr
