Two Innocent Children, Just 8 and 10, Gunned Down While Praying at Morning Mass Inside Their Catholic School in Minneapolis—Families Screaming in Horror, Stained Glass Windows Shattered by Rifle Fire, Seventeen More Shot as FBI Calls It Terrorism, Police Reveal Killer’s Chilling Online Manifesto, President Trump Orders Flags Lowered as Nation Demands Action, Heartbroken Mayor Rejects ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ Pleas, Witnesses Recall Kids Begging for Help—A Community Torn Apart, Shaken Parents Clutch Survivors, While Investigators Uncover Disturbing Evidence of Hate and Violence That Could Redefine America’s Gun Crisis Forever

Minneapolis, Minnesota — On what was supposed to be a joyful second day of the school year, horror ripped through the Annunciation Catholic School in South Minneapolis. A lone gunman, armed with multiple high-powered weapons, opened fire on children as they prayed inside a church, killing two students — an eight-year-old and a ten-year-old — and wounding at least 17 more in a bloody massacre that has left the nation stunned.

The attack happened during morning mass, a time when parents assumed their kids were safest — kneeling in pews, surrounded by classmates, teachers, and priests. But safety turned to slaughter in an instant, as stained-glass windows shattered from outside gunfire. Witnesses say dozens of rounds tore through the sacred walls, transforming a holy sanctuary into a war zone.

Children Begging for Help

Parents rushed frantically toward the church as news spread. Inside, chaos reigned. Fifth-grader Clarissa Garcia told reporters she thought the sounds were fireworks — until glass exploded and classmates began screaming. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so scared,’” she said, her small voice shaking. Gunpowder residue still clung to her neck hours later.

Ten-year-old Weston recalled hiding under a pew. His best friend, trying to shield him, was struck by gunfire. “He got hit in the back,” Weston said quietly. “I didn’t know if I would see my mom again.”

Nearby neighbor Pat Scallan described comforting bleeding children. One girl begged him: “Just hold my hand, please.” Another had a gunshot wound to the throat. “I knew going up there I wasn’t going to see something pretty,” he said.

Two Angels Lost

By midday, police confirmed the worst: two young children, just 8 and 10 years old, were dead — killed in the very pews where they had bowed their heads to pray. “We lost two angels today,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey declared, visibly furious. “Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying.”

The Shooter: A Troubled Young Adult

Authorities identified the shooter as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the rear of the church. Investigators say Westman had no prior criminal history, but the FBI is now treating the massacre as a potential act of domestic terrorism and hate crime.

Disturbing details quickly surfaced: a manifesto-style video posted online before the attack. In it, Westman is seen stabbing a drawing of church pews, caressing ammunition magazines, and referencing infamous killers like those from Sandy Hook. On one rifle magazine, investigators found chilling words: “Kill Donald Trump.”

Police seized multiple firearms from Westman’s home — all legally purchased. Homeland Security confirmed Westman had been radicalized online, feeding on violent fantasies of mass murder.

Families Shattered, Community in Shock

Outside the school, anguished parents sobbed as they clutched their surviving children. Dozens of families gathered in prayer circles, many screaming out in grief. “No parent should have to wonder if their child will come home from school alive,” said Minnesota State Senator Zaynab Muhammad, her voice breaking.

Local hospitals remain overwhelmed with victims, including children with gunshot wounds to the chest, stomach, and limbs. Doctors described one 9-year-old girl’s survival as “miraculous” after emergency surgery.

National Outrage, Presidential Response

President Donald Trump swiftly issued a proclamation honoring the victims, ordering flags nationwide to fly at half-staff. But critics say condolences aren’t enough. With at least 90 school shootings reported in 2025 alone — resulting in 29 deaths — many demand immediate reforms.

Mayor Frey didn’t mince words: “These kids should be playing on a playground. Instead, they’re lying in coffins. America cannot continue like this.”

A Pattern of Violence

Experts note this shooting echoes a disturbing trend: religious spaces under attack. Just as black churches in the South were targeted in the past, now Catholic schools are being eyed by extremists. “The symbolism is chilling — firing bullets through stained-glass windows at children in prayer,” said one FBI analyst. “This was meant to terrorize.”

Political Repercussions

The massacre has already ignited heated debates nationwide. Gun control advocates are pointing to assault-style rifles being legally owned by a 23-year-old with no red flags raised. “There is no place for weapons of war in our schools or our churches,” Senator Muhammad said.

Republican leaders, meanwhile, are urging caution, emphasizing mental health support rather than sweeping gun bans. But Democrats counter that without stricter gun laws, “another massacre is only days away.”

America on Edge

The shooting comes at a time when the nation already feels on edge. National Guard troops patrol Washington D.C. under Trump’s crime emergency declaration. Violence, fear, and division dominate the headlines. And now — another small American town has become synonymous with tragedy.

A Community’s Pain

On the steps of Annunciation School, flowers and teddy bears piled up as night fell. Parents held vigils by candlelight, some silently weeping, others chanting for justice. A priest’s trembling voice led the crowd in prayer — the same prayer interrupted that morning by rifle fire.

Eight-year-old Andre Gunter, shot in the stomach but expected to survive, became a symbol of hope. His uncle declared defiantly outside the hospital: “He’s a survivor. He’s going to make it.”

But for two families, hope is gone. Tonight, they plan funerals instead of homework. They set empty chairs at dinner tables where laughter once rang.

The Question America Can’t Escape

Why is this happening again — and again? Minneapolis parents are demanding answers. National leaders are trading blame. Investigators comb through the shooter’s online posts for motive. But the simple truth echoes from coast to coast: children should not die at school. Children should not die in church.

And yet, in America, they do.