A quiet morning service at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis turned into a horrific scene on Wednesday when gunfire erupted during the first school Mass of the year. Authorities say two children were killed and 18 people were injured, including 15 children and three elderly parishioners.

The tragedy has left the Annunciation Catholic School community — a cornerstone for generations of families in South Minneapolis — shaken and searching for answers.

Story Highlights

• Location: Annunciation Catholic Church, South Minneapolis

• Victims: Two children killed — 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel

• Injuries: 18 others hurt, including 15 children and three adults in their 80s

• Shooter: Identified as Robin Westman, connected to the school community

• Attack Details: Gunfire fired from outside; shooter circled the church, firing through windows

• Police: Investigation ongoing; motive still unclear

A Morning Mass Turns Deadly

The first Mass of the school year was already underway when the violence began. Students had filed in a few minutes late, and the service had just finished the psalm “You Have Searched Me and You Know Me, Lord” when the sound of gunfire shattered the stillness.

Cathrine Spandel, a 1973 alumna of Annunciation Catholic School and longtime parishioner, recalled the moment vividly.

“I checked my watch; it was supposed to start at 8:15. It was 8:18, and they were still filing in,” she told NPR.

Just minutes later, she said, chaos erupted.

“Even before the principal yelled, ‘Get down!’ I flew to the ground,” Spandel said. “At first, I thought it was firecrackers — maybe a prank. But then I realized it was gunfire.”

Shooter Fired from Outside the Church

Authorities say the shooter never entered the church but instead fired through stained-glass windows while circling the building.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the details at a press briefing:

“The shooter remained outside, moving around the church, firing through the windows,” he said.

Inside, worshippers dropped to the floor, hiding under pews as shattered glass and splintered wood fell around them.

Spandel described the terrifying scene:

“There were shells near me, broken lead glass, and wood from the window frames. It seemed like it went on forever,” she said.

Two Children Killed, Dozens Injured

The victims include 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who was sitting just four pews ahead of Spandel.

“I thought if [the shooter] breaks through and gains access, he will come row by row and shoot us — just like that Baptist church down south,” Spandel said.

In total, 18 people were injured in the shooting, including 15 children and three elderly parishioners in their 80s. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, triaging victims and transporting them to area hospitals.

Acts of Bravery Amid the Gunfire

Amid the chaos, teachers, parents, and older students acted quickly to protect younger children.

“Older children and adults shielded the little ones,” parishioners reported.

Spandel herself prayed over an injured girl with a head wound.

“She had a head wound. They triaged her number one and got her to an ambulance. She is alive and expected to live, but there could be long-term effects,” Spandel said.

Community Devastated by the Violence

For many, Annunciation Catholic School is more than just a school — it’s a family tradition. Generations of students have attended the school, and the parish is deeply rooted in the community.

Annique London, a parent volunteer, was at the church the next day arranging flowers at a memorial. She said her daughters all attended Annunciation, and one even went to school with the shooter.

“For some families, grandparents, parents, and their kids all go to school here and worship here,” London said. “This tragedy has shaken us to the core.”

Nearby resident Tiffany Tomlin-Kurtz described what she saw when she heard the shots:

“I’ve got an image I will never forget — a mom running toward the school and running toward active gunfire,” she said, her voice trembling.

Faith Tested, But Not Broken

Inside the church, as bullets shattered glass, Spandel reached for the children’s pastoral minister under a nearby pew.

“She was facing me, and we reached toward each other and prayed the Hail Mary together. We were both crying. I asked God for absolution from all my sins. I asked Him to protect my family because I was certain that I was going to die,” she said.

Investigation Continues

Police have identified the shooter as Robin Westman, who had ties to the school community, though the motive remains unclear. Investigators are reviewing evidence and interviewing witnesses.

Chief O’Hara emphasized the need for continued vigilance:

“This was an act of senseless violence that has forever changed this community,” he said.

As Minneapolis mourns, faith leaders and counselors are stepping in to support grieving families. Vigils and memorials are being planned in the coming days.

The Annunciation Catholic Church shooting in Minneapolis has left the community heartbroken and searching for answers. What was meant to be a peaceful school Mass turned into a nightmare of gunfire, shattered glass, and unimaginable loss. As families mourn the deaths of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel, and as survivors recover from their injuries, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger safety measures in schools and places of worship.

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