A gunman opened fire during Mass at a Catholic church in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Two children were killed and 17 others were injured. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted wound.
Westman was 23 and once a student at the same church school. Police say disturbing YouTube videos linked to the shooter show signs of obsession with past mass shootings. The clips and writings offer insight into the possible motives.
Shooter’s Online Videos Show Guns, Slurs, and a “Manifesto”
Authorities are reviewing several videos allegedly posted by Westman under the name “Robin W.” The content was uploaded to YouTube on the morning of the attack. It has since been removed from the platform.
The videos include handwritten notes, a diagram of the church, and close-ups of firearms marked with hateful messages. Some guns had antisemitic phrases and names of infamous mass killers like Adam Lanza and Robert Bowers.
The shooter spoke in a quiet voice throughout the clips. One video showed a target with an image of Jesus. Another featured the phrase, “6 million wasn’t enough,” scrawled on a gun magazine.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed the existence of a “manifesto” linked to the attack. He said it could help uncover the shooter’s motive.
Suspect’s Past and Troubled Writings Suggest Deep Mental Health Struggles
Westman had no criminal history, only traffic violations from 2021. According to public records, the shooter legally changed their name from Robert to Robin in 2020. A judge approved the change to align with their gender identity.
The notebook found in the videos shows signs of mental distress. Some pages were written in a mix of English and Cyrillic script. The writings mention a fascination with mass shooters and suicidal thoughts.
On one page, “I’m so sorry” was written in large letters. Westman reportedly whispered “I love my family” before stabbing a knife into a drawn layout of the church.
Trusted source CNN reported that Westman’s mother once worked at the church. The suspect also briefly attended a local charter school in 2017.
This violent act has shaken a close-knit neighborhood. Westman’s parents appeared visibly devastated as police searched their home.
Thought you’d like to know-
Q1: Who was the Minneapolis church shooter?
The shooter was Robin Westman, 23, a former student of the church’s school. Police say Westman died from a self-inflicted wound.
Q2: What did the shooter post on YouTube?
The videos showed guns with hate messages, a handwritten manifesto, and a church diagram. Some videos included disturbing slurs and references to past shooters.
Q3: Did the shooter have any criminal background?
No serious criminal history was found. Only minor traffic citations from 2021 were listed in state court records.
Q4: What did the manifesto reveal?
The manifesto showed mental distress and obsession with mass shootings. The shooter denied racial motives but admitted doing it to “please myself.”
Q5: Where did the shooter live?
Westman lived near the church, in a quiet neighborhood. The home belongs to the shooter’s father.
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