Wounded boy from Minnesota church shooting requests medical professional for a prayer session

In the quiet town of Minneapolis, a shocking event unfolded on a fateful day during the first Mass of the school year at Annunciation Catholic School. The shooting, which left two students dead and 18 people wounded, most of whom were children, has sent ripples of sorrow and shock throughout the community.

Robin Westman, a former student of the school, was identified as the shooter. Westman, 23, had reportedly been preparing for the attack for weeks, as evidenced by journals found detailing running drills at a shooting range and borrowing money to buy guns. Westman owned a pump-action shotgun, a 9 mm pistol, and a semiautomatic rifle.

The tragic incident has renewed calls for gun safety legislation, but with Minnesota being a state closely split along partisan lines, getting that done may be a challenge.

Among those who showed up to help were parents like Matthew Stommes, a father of two children who attended the school. Stommes, who had experienced a shooting incident in a church in August 2025, found himself once again in a harrowing situation. He described seeing flashes of gunfire and children screaming. Along with other parents, Stommes helped carry injured children out of the church as emergency responders arrived.

Doctors and first responders praised the students and teachers at Annunciation Catholic School for their courage and quick thinking. They followed active shooter training, protecting each other and ensuring the safety of as many children as possible.

The two students who lost their lives were Harper Moyski, a 10-year-old girl, and Fletcher, an 8-year-old boy. Harper's parents want her memory to bring about changes in addressing gun violence and mental health issues. Fletcher's father, Jesse Merkel, asked to remember him for his love of family, fishing, and cooking.

A pediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin Healthcare, Sophia Forchas, found out that her 12-year-old daughter was among the wounded. Sophia underwent emergency surgery and was in critical condition.

Robin Westman's gender identity wasn't clear, but federal officials referred to Westman as transgender, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey decried hatred being directed at "our transgender community." Robin Westman's mother worked for the parish before retiring in 2021.

A document found appears to be a suicide note from Robin Westman, containing a confession of long-held plans to carry out a shooting. Robin Westman's father is identified as Robert, but in 2020, a judge approved a petition for a name change from Robert to Robin.

This tragic event has left the community of Minneapolis in mourning, but the spirit of resilience and unity shines through as they come together to support each other in this difficult time.

Wounded boy from Minnesota church shooting requests medical professional for a prayer session