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Robin Westman Kills Two Students, Injures 17 at Annunciation Church; Suspect’s Mother Former School Employee”

Robin Westman Kills Two Students, Injures 17 at Annunciation Church; Suspect’s Mother Former School Employee”

MINNEAPOLIS — New information has surfaced about the background of the gunman, Robin Westman, 23, who fatally shot two students, Emily Carlson, 15, and Jacob Ruiz, 16, and injured 17 others during the attack at Annunciation Church and Catholic School. Police have since confirmed that Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, was a former employee at the school, giving the tragedy an even more personal connection.

While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, investigators are examining whether Westman’s personal ties to the school played a role in targeting the site. Officials stressed that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, as detectives are reviewing digital evidence, social media activity, and personal records.

According to court documents, Westman was born Robert Paul Westman on June 17, 2002. On November 18, 2019, before turning 18, Westman petitioned for a legal name change, citing gender identity as the reason. His mother, acting as his legal guardian, filed the request on his behalf. The petition was approved, and the name change to Robin Westman was officially granted on January 15, 2020.

Authorities noted that these details are part of the public record and included in their timeline of Westman’s life leading up to the tragedy. They emphasized, however, that the legal name change and gender identity are not considered factors in the criminal investigation at this time.

In a press briefing, Minneapolis police reiterated that the focus remains on uncovering Westman’s motive, the planning behind the attack, and how he obtained the firearm used in the shooting. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Westman acted alone, and there is no current threat to the broader community.

The school, church community, and surrounding neighborhood remain in shock. Vigils and prayer services have been organized in honor of the two students who lost their lives. Seventeen others, ranging from students to staff members, continue to recover from injuries—some critical—in area hospitals.

“This community is devastated,” said one police spokesperson. “While we are piecing together the facts about the suspect’s background and family connections, our priority is supporting the victims and their families.”

Counselors and crisis response teams have been deployed to Annunciation Church and Catholic School to provide grief support to students, parents, and staff. The Archdiocese of Minneapolis has pledged full cooperation with the investigation while also calling for prayers and compassion for all those affected.

As the investigation moves forward, officials expect more details to emerge about Westman’s life, his relationship with the school, and what led up to this heartbreaking act of violence.

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