Authorities in Minneapolis are investigating troubling online videos linked to Robin Westman, the shooter responsible for a tragic incident at Annunciation Catholic Church, where two children were killed and 17 others injured during a morning Mass. The 23-year-old had a history with the church, having graduated from its grade school in 2017. Following the attack, Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The police are scrutinising a series of bizarre videos shared on YouTube, which expressed a disturbing fascination with school shootings and featured a manifesto, handwritten notes, and firearms inscribed with slurs and the names of infamous mass killers. Some of the messages on these weapons included deeply troubling phrases, such as “psycho killer” and antisemitic remarks, indicating a troubling ideological background.
Two of the videos directly carried Westman’s name, showcasing a chaotic scene with various firearms and a diagram of the church’s interior. Investigators noted that the content might offer insights into Westman’s motives, though he claimed the attack wasn’t driven by racial motivations but rather personal desires stemming from self-hatred.
Authorities have established that Westman previously attended the Minnesota Transitions Charter School briefly after graduating from Annunciation. His mother had worked at the church, further binding the family to the community. Despite this, neighbours expressed shock over the incident, describing the family as friendly and caring members of the neighbourhood.
Furthermore, Westman’s writings detailed an obsession with mass shooters like Adam Lanza and Robert Bowers, revealing a complex and disturbing mindset. His communication included significant expressions of distress and morbid fascination, suggesting a downward spiral into nihilism and violent thoughts.
The police chief noted that while the videos have since been removed, they are crucial to understanding the motivations behind the attack. Neighbours expressed their disbelief at the violent turn taken by someone they viewed as part of their community, highlighting that this incident has left a lasting impact on them and the local area. The investigation is ongoing as authorities piece together a clearer picture of Westman’s life and the factors leading up to this horrific event.