The shocking massacre at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis left two children dead and a city in mourning. While the public reels from the tragedy, a disturbing picture is emerging of the 23-year-old shooter, Robin Westman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. New court records and police warrants reveal a troubled past, a recent breakup, and disturbing writings that may shed light on the motive behind the attack that sent dozens of people scrambling for their lives.
Newly uncovered details reveal that Westman was struggling with a recent breakup and staying with a friend when they carried out the attack. Police seized a tactical vest and two computer drives from the shooter’s father’s Minneapolis home, with officials confirming that the van used in the assault was registered to Westman’s father. Even more bizarre, police have been unable to locate or speak with the shooter’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, who has, so far, refused to cooperate with the investigation through her lawyer.
The most chilling revelation, however, comes from a rage-filled manifesto allegedly written by Westman. The disturbing documents, which are partially encoded in Cyrillic characters, expose the shooter’s inner turmoil, fractured family life, and explosive resentment. In one haunting entry, Westman appears to wrestle with deep resentment toward their mother, writing, “Your words, mother, made me stay in my discomfort unable to ask for help to avoid admitting defeat. You were right mama, but the way you handled it led me to wanting to kill so so many people.” The writings also describe years of painful rejection related to Westman’s gender identity.
As the investigation expands to Florida and the FBI continues its search for Mary Grace Westman, Minneapolis remains in mourning. The shattered families of the two victims, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, are now demanding accountability and change. In heartbreaking statements, both families remembered their children’s boundless spirits and urged lawmakers and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in the country. The parents refuse to let their grief be the final word, turning anguish into activism in the hopes that no other parents have to endure their pain.