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.
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.