On August 27, 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic School Church in Minnesota, killing two children aged eight and ten, and injuring 17 others. The shooting occurred during a Mass attended by nearly 200 children at the start of the school year. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman fired through the church windows before dying by suicide. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the attack “absolutely incomprehensible.”

Westman’s gender identity has been a subject of discussion. In 2020, a judge approved a name change from Robert to Robin, following a petition by Westman’s mother stating Westman identified as female. However, Westman’s own writings expressed uncertainty, saying, “I know I am not a woman, but I definitely don’t feel like a man.”

Federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, prompting Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to urge against hatred toward the transgender community following the tragedy. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

Archbishop Bernard Hebda mourned the tragedy, reflecting on the church’s inscription, “House of God and the gate of heaven,” calling the violence “unthinkable.”

Former First Lady Melania Trump released a heartfelt statement expressing sympathy to victims’ families, calling the attack a “senseless and depraved violent act.” Former President Donald Trump also responded, noting the FBI’s swift response and urging prayers for those affected.