[An image of a crime scene. Photo credit: Unsplash]

On August 27, 2025, a school shooting took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, leaving two children and several others injured. 

The incident happened shortly before 8:30 a.m. local time at Annunciation Catholic School, located next to a church in southern Minneapolis. 

The attack occurred during the school’s first week of classes.

Annunciation Catholic School educates students from preschool through eighth grade.

Authorities said two children were killed, and fourteen students and three elderly parishioners were injured. 

Out of those injured, one child was reported in critical condition, one adult was in serious condition, and four children were in satisfactory condition. 

The remaining victims received treatment and were later discharged from the hospital.

By Thursday morning, one day after the shooting, hospital officials said one child remained hospitalized, but no further details were released at the request of the family.

The two children who were killed during the tragedy were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

Harper’s family released a statement saying, “Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper's sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.” 

The shooter was identified to be a 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student who graduated from Annunciation Catholic School in 2017.

Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators said Westman had shared information on social media that may be linked to the attack, and authorities are examining those posts.

According to the FBI, the shooter’s intention appeared to be to target children, and the case is being investigated as a possible act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics. 

Community members have held vigils and expressed grief for the victims, while city leaders have called for action to prevent future tragedies.