Crime
Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting Victim Identified as 14-year-old Sophia
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A tragic mass shooting unfolded Wednesday morning at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leaving three people dead—including two children—and at least 17 others injured.
Authorities confirmed that the suspected gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Among the injured is 14-year-old Sophia, who is reported to be in extremely critical condition following emergency surgery.
Her condition was shared publicly by Fr. Timothy Sas of St. Mary Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, who, along with clergy across the community, has requested prayers for Sophia, the other victims, and their families.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed in the attack. In total, 17 others were wounded, including 14 children and three adults, according to Minneapolis police.
Investigators said Westman approached the side of the church connected to the school and opened fire through stained glass windows as students sat in the pews during morning mass. Police believe the shooter blocked at least two entrances to the church with wooden planks prior to the attack, suggesting an effort to trap people inside.
Authorities confirmed the assailant was armed with three weapons—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—all of which were discharged during the assault. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described the act as “a deliberate act of violence against innocent children and worshippers,” calling it an “incomprehensible display of cruelty and cowardice.”
Court records reviewed by Channel 2 News reveal that the suspect, originally named Robert Westman, legally changed her name to Robin in 2020 while still a minor, with support from her mother. Records state that Westman “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.” Her mother, who retired in 2021, had previously worked at Annunciation Catholic School.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing digital evidence connected to the suspect. A YouTube account, now deleted but believed to have belonged to Westman, contained a 20-minute video resembling a manifesto. In the video, a drawing of a church is shown being stabbed repeatedly while a voice says, “I’m going to kill myself.” Other videos posted included footage of gun parts and firearms, some marked with the names of past mass shooters. One part reportedly included a threatening message directed at former President Donald Trump.
Police recovered the suspect’s vehicle parked near the school, which is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are working to determine whether the suspect fired exclusively from outside the church or also entered during the assault.
Chief O’Hara confirmed that the shooter ultimately died by suicide inside the rear of the church. “The sheer cruelty of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible,” he stated.
The shooting comes just days after the start of the new school year. Students were gathered for mass when the violence erupted, devastating families, parishioners, and the wider community. Faith leaders, including Fr. Sas, have urged the public to keep the victims and their families in prayer, especially Sophia, who remains in life-threatening condition.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.