Crime
Authorities Seek to Question Mary Grace Westman, Mother of Minneapolis Church School Mass Shooter Robin Westman
MINNEAPOLIS — Investigators are seeking to question the mother of the Annunciation Catholic School mass shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, following Wednesday’s devastating attack inside the Minneapolis church school.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, is wanted for questioning in connection with the case.
Law enforcement officials believe she may be staying at her condominium in Naples, Florida.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said that investigators have so far “not been successful in speaking with the shooter’s mother.”
According to police, surveillance footage from the school captured portions of the shooting.
Chief O’Hara revealed that Westman fired 116 rounds from a rifle during the attack, which unfolded during a back-to-school Mass inside the church.
Law enforcement sources told investigators that Westman is a former student of the school, and his mother previously worked there in a staff role before retiring.
Court records show that in 2019, when Westman was still a minor, Mary Grace Westman filed a petition in Dakota County to change her child’s name from Robert Paul Westman to Robin M. Westman.
The petition stated that Robin “identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification.”
The shooting left two children, ages 8 and 10, dead and 17 others injured, including 14 children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three elderly parishioners in their 80s. Police said all surviving victims are expected to recover.
One of the first identified survivors is 13-year-old Endre Gunter, who was struck in the stomach during the barrage of gunfire.
His mother, Danielle, confirmed that he underwent emergency surgery and is now recovering.
“Our son was shot at school today, inside a church praying with his classmates,” Danielle said in a statement. She also thanked a Minneapolis police officer who rendered aid, hugged and reassured her son, and prayed with him before he was rushed into an ambulance.
The Gunter family said they are now focused on helping Endre “rebuild his life, his trust, and his confidence” in the aftermath of the attack.
The suspected gunman, Robin Westman, was later found dead inside the church from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, bringing the violent rampage to an end.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing surveillance footage, gathering witness statements, and continuing their efforts to speak with the suspect’s mother.
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.