Crime
Annunciation Catholic Church School Shooter Robin Westman Manifesto Reveals Regret Over Gender Transition
Authorities have confirmed that the Minneapolis school shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin (Robert) Westman, left behind a manifesto posted online shortly before carrying out the deadly attack at a Catholic school and church in Minnesota.
In the writings, which were shared on YouTube and composed partly in English and partly in Russian using Cyrillic script, Westman expressed deep regret over undergoing a gender transition and described ongoing struggles with identity.
Westman wrote extensively about dissatisfaction with personal appearance, particularly regarding long hair associated with the transition.
“I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself,” Westman wrote.
The manifesto further revealed Westman’s internal conflict and frustration over perceived failures in achieving a desired physical identity.
“I can’t cut my hair now as it would be an embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported. It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.”
The writings also disclosed regret and despair regarding transitioning.
“I regret being trans. I wish I was a girl, I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also can’t afford that.”
The attack left two children dead and dozens of others injured before Westman took his own life, according to investigators.
Authorities are continuing to review the online postings as part of their broader investigation into the motive behind the shooting.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.