Robin Westman has been identified as the 23-year-old shooter from suburban Minneapolis.
The attack took place on the morning of August 27, 2025, at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, which also houses a Catholic school. Children were gathered for a worship service during their first week of school when the shooting began. Two children, ages eight and ten, were killed, and 17 others were injured. Fourteen of those hurt were children, while three parishioners in their 80s were among the adults wounded.
Doctors at Hennepin County Medical Center said seven children between the ages of six and 14 were brought in critical condition, with four requiring surgery. Police confirmed that the attacker, dressed in all black, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He carried three firearms—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—and police also discovered a smoke bomb nearby. Investigators are still determining whether shots were fired from inside the church, as no bullet casings were found inside.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said Westman acted alone and did not have an extensive criminal record. Court documents also reveal that Westman legally changed the name from Robert to Robin in 2020. In the filing, the judge noted: “Minor child identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”
Here’s what is known about Robin Westman’s family background and the lives of their parents, Mary Grace Westman and James Westman.
Who Are Robin Westman’s Parents? Family Background
Robin Westman was born Robert Paul Westman to parents James and Mary Grace Westman. In 2020, at the age of 17, Robert legally changed his name to Robin. Because Robin was still a minor, the petition was signed by Mary Grace.
Court documents note that the change was requested because Robin identified as female and wanted a name that reflected that identity.
Authorities have acknowledged the legal change but have urged the public to keep the focus on the victims. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey asked the community not to let the tragedy be used against the transgender community, stressing compassion for the children who lost their lives and the families left grieving.
Also Read: Meet Jacob Frey’s Wife Sarah Clarke and Their Two Daughters
On social media, unconfirmed reports suggest Robin’s parents supported the transition. One screenshot, which has not been verified, appears to show a Facebook post attributed to James Westman on Robin’s 18th birthday that read: “Happy 18th birthday Robin Westman. We love you.”
Mother: Mary Grace Westman
Robin Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, spent five years working as a secretary at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis before retiring in 2021.
A school newsletter from 2016 listed her on staff, and when she stepped down, the Church of the Annunciation marked the occasion with a Facebook post on August 16, 2021. The tribute thanked her for her “wonderful hospitality, friendship, and compassion to all who gathered for the last five years at Annunciation,” adding that she would be missed by the community.
Her past connection to the school has made the shooting even more painful for parishioners, as it unfolded at the very church where she had once been a familiar presence. Police have stressed, however, that there is no evidence Mary Grace had advance knowledge of the attack.
When a reporter reached her on the day of the shooting, she was described as being in tears and said she did not know whether her child was involved.
Mary Grace grew up in a devout Catholic family. Her brother, Robert L. Heleringer, served in the Kentucky General Assembly as a Republican representative from 1980 until 2002.
In a series of op-eds written during the 2010s, Heleringer reflected on their strict Catholic upbringing. He remembered their mother frequently inviting priests to dinner and leading the family in prayer before leaving the house. Heleringer first went to Catholic high school and then attended Xavier University, a Jesuit college.
Father: James Westman
James Westman, the father of Robin Westman, is listed in public records as living in South Minneapolis. His home sits less than a mile from Annunciation Church and School, where the shooting took place. Following the attack, police cordoned off the property as part of their investigation.
Neighbors said the family mostly kept to themselves but were still seen as friendly. One neighbor described Robin as a “nonviolent kid,” making the news of the tragedy especially hard to take in.
