Minneapolis, Minn. — In a tragic incident during a Catholic school Mass, a 23-year-old man opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 21 others. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, reportedly purchased a firearm just days prior to the incident at Annunciation Catholic Church on August 27.
Westman, who had previously changed his name from Robert Paul Westman, was a former student of the parish school. According to Kory Krause, the owner of Frontiersman Sports, a local gun shop, Westman legally acquired a .38 Special revolver four days before the shooting, although that specific firearm was not used during the attack.
Video surveillance captured Westman entering the store on August 23, where he spent approximately 40 minutes examining various firearms and ammunition. Krause described Westman as polite and knowledgeable, stating that he engaged positively with staff and other customers, displaying what appeared to be an ordinary demeanor throughout his visit.
Krause expressed shock over the tragic events, explaining that Westman showed no signs of instability or concerning behavior. Staff members completed the necessary background checks through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which returned a “proceed” signal, allowing the purchase to go ahead.
“There were absolutely no red flags displayed by the individual in question,” Krause noted. “He fit right in with other shoppers, asking the right questions and appearing genuine and friendly.”
The aftermath of the shooting sent shockwaves through the community, prompting questions about gun regulations and mental health support. Krause emphasized the dedication of his staff to detecting potential threats and ensuring responsible firearm sales, remarking, “We are heartbroken about this tragedy and are left wondering what, if anything, we could have done differently.”
Law enforcement officials have been contacted for further comment, as the investigation continues. In the wake of this tragedy, many are calling for a reexamination of safety measures at schools and the gun purchasing process to potentially prevent similar occurrences in the future.