Minneapolis Shooting: Authorities Reveal Attacker's Obsession with Targeting Children

Tue Sep 23 2025 10:52:14 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A shocking incident at a Minneapolis church left two children dead and many injured, as authorities divulge details about the shooter’s disturbing motives.

Authorities in Minneapolis are investigating a tragic shooting that left two children dead during a church service. The attacker, identified as Robin Westman, was reportedly obsessed with harming children and left behind disturbing notes expressing hatred towards various groups. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with officials noting that Westman had a history connected to the church’s school. Community responses call for renewed discussions on gun control as witnesses recount harrowing scenes of panic and fear.

Investigators say that the attacker who opened fire on pupils as they were praying at a church in Minneapolis was obsessed with the idea of killing children.

Robin Westman, who killed two children and injured 18 others, did not seem to have any specific motive, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.

The attacker appeared to hate all of us, the chief said on Thursday, adding: More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children.

The murdered children have been identified by family as Fletcher Merkel, eight, and Harper Moyski, 10.

Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us, his father, Jesse Merkel, told reporters.

Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play, he said.

Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You'll always be with us, he continued, choking back tears.

The parents of Harper Moyski, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement that their daughter was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain, they said, adding that they hope her memory fuels action to stop gun violence.

Officials have released few details so far about the suspect's background, but say Westman previously attended the church's school and had a mother who had worked there.

The 23-year-old suspect approached the side of the Annunciation Church, which houses a school, and fired dozens of shots through the windows using three firearms. Police found a smoke bomb at the scene.

Witnesses described seeing children bleeding as they fled from the church, begging for help. Acting US Attorney General for Minnesota Joseph Thompson mentioned that the shooter expressed hate towards many groups, including the Jewish community and towards President Trump.

The attacker, who died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, had left a note. Although officials stated the motive may never fully be known, the indications point to a fascination with previous mass shootings.

FBI Director Kash Patel characterized the attack as an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology. Despite the gravity of the incident, the attacker was not on any government watchlist, and the firearms used were legally purchased.

Witnesses and relatives have shared their horrific experiences, expressing a dread that such acts are becoming normalized. Community leaders are now calling for stricter gun control measures, reiterating that high-capacity magazines and assault weapons should not be accessible.