FBI Examining Writings Of Trans-Identifying Gunman In Catholic School Attack
Federal and local law enforcement are combing through the disturbing writings left behind by Robin Westman, the trans-identifying gunman who opened fire on children and parishioners during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, killing two and injuring 17.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed Thursday that the FBI is assisting with the review of “hundreds of pieces of evidence,” including handwritten journals and digital materials. During an interview on NBC’s Today show, O’Hara revealed that much of the content expresses “a whole lot of hate against a whole variety of people.”
Westman, 23, was born Robert and later identified as female. He previously attended the Catholic school he attacked and is believed to have had ties to the parish through his mother, who once worked there. Authorities believe he once worshiped in the same pews that he later riddled with gunfire.
Shooter Fired Through Church Windows While Children Were Praying
O’Hara said the attack unfolded as students attended morning Mass in the church building. Because of school security protocols, the doors were locked, forcing Westman to shoot from outside the building. This, O’Hara emphasized, likely prevented even greater carnage.
“Thanks to the church’s and school’s preparedness, that coward was unable to enter. Had he gained access to the sanctuary, we would be looking at a much higher death toll,” O’Hara stated.
The shooter ultimately killed himself in the parking lot. Among the wounded, 14 are children. At least seven victims remain in critical condition, according to authorities.
FBI Investigating as Hate Crime, Domestic Terror
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Wednesday that the Bureau is treating the mass shooting as both an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. So far, investigators have uncovered writings and videos filled with anti-Christian, antisemitic, and anti-conservative messages.
Among the writings: death threats against President Donald Trump, fantasies about killing children, slurs against Jewish people, and self-loathing about Westman’s transgender identity. In one entry, he wrote that he was “tired of being trans” and regretted having “brainwashed” himself.
Weapons recovered from the scene were covered in hateful scrawlings, including phrases like “Kill Donald Trump” and “Where’s your God?”
Echoes of The Covenant School Attack
This is not the first time a trans-identifying individual has attacked a Christian school. In 2023, a female shooter who identified as a man carried out a deadly rampage at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, killing three children and three staff members.
In that case, the FBI withheld the attacker’s manifesto from the public, citing concerns about “conspiracy theories.” Many conservatives have since accused federal agencies of suppressing information when it does not support left-wing narratives.
Motive Still Unclear, But Pattern Emerging
While Chief O’Hara said authorities have not yet confirmed a clear motive, he admitted that Westman’s writings show a trajectory consistent with other active shooters. Law enforcement is applying for further warrants to examine the shooter’s electronics, hoping to find more clarity.
He concluded by praising the school and church staff for their bravery and the protocols that saved lives.
“These children were worshiping. They were in a place of peace. What happened was pure evil,” said one officer familiar with the investigation.