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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.