Minneapolis school shooter Robin Westman killed two children and injured 17 others after posting a manifesto expressing regret over transitioning and inner conflict with gender identity.
A tragic mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 others wounded on Wednesday morning after 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during a school Mass.
Police confirmed that Westman, who later took his own life, had posted a handwritten manifesto online before the attack, revealing deep struggles with gender identity.
In a journal partly written in Cyrillic code, Westman expressed regret about transitioning, writing, “I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself.” He added, “I can’t cut my hair now as it would be embarrassing defeat … I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.”
Court records show Westman legally changed his name from Robert to Robin in 2020 after petitioning to be recognized as female. However, in the manifesto, he admitted conflicting feelings: “I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man.”
Authorities are investigating possible motives while reviewing disturbing writings and online posts linked to the suspect.
Community leaders and officials have condemned the attack, calling for stronger early intervention to prevent similar tragedies.