The trans-identifying shooter behind the brutal attack at a Minneapolis Catholic school that left two children dead and over a dozen others wounded had reportedly expressed deep regret about transitioning and described feelings of internal conflict in personal writings found by investigators.
Robin Westman, a 23-year-old biological male who previously went by Robert, opened fire during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School. In a recovered journal—written in both English and Russian Cyrillic—Westman lamented the personal consequences of transitioning, stating that he was “tired of being trans” and had “brain-washed” himself.
“I only keep [long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans,” one entry reads. “I am tired of being trans. I wish I never brain-washed myself.”
In another passage, Westman wrote about his frustration with outward presentation: “I don’t want to dress girly all the time but I guess sometimes I really like it. I know I am not a woman but I definitely don’t feel like a man.”
He also acknowledged the social consequences of abandoning the identity: “I can’t cut my hair now as it would be [an] embarrassing defeat, and it might be a concerning change of character that could get me reported. It just always gets in my way. I will probably chop it on the day of the attack.”
Authorities confirmed Westman legally changed his name in 2020, with court documents stating the reason was “to reflect a female identity.” His mother co-signed the application, as he was still a minor at the time. It remains unclear whether Westman underwent hormone treatment or any medical procedures related to his transition.
Westman’s connection to the school goes back years. He graduated from Annunciation Catholic School in 2017. His mother, Mary Grace Westman, served as a secretary at the school for five years before retiring in 2021.
In the hours leading up to the shooting, disturbing videos and images surfaced online from accounts tied to Westman. Some of the firearms displayed in those posts bore political and anti-religious messages, including phrases like “Kill Donald Trump” and “Where’s your God?”
Authorities believe the shooter deliberately targeted the church. Westman began his assault by firing through the windows of the sanctuary as children and staff gathered for worship. Two students, ages 8 and 10, were killed. Seventeen others were injured. Westman ultimately turned the gun on himself in the parking lot.
The FBI has launched an investigation and is treating the massacre as a domestic terror attack and hate crime, particularly aimed at Catholics. Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau is reviewing journal entries, videos, and online posts left behind by the shooter.
Westman becomes the second trans-identifying individual in recent years to carry out a deadly shooting at a Christian school. In March 2023, Audrey Hale—a biological female who identified as male—killed six people, including three children, at The Covenant School in Nashville.
Federal officials are also investigating whether Westman left behind any digital manifestos or communications indicating premeditation or possible accomplices. So far, no co-conspirators have been identified.
Community members held a candlelight vigil Wednesday evening near the school, praying for the families of the victims. The school remains closed as grief counselors and clergy work with families and staff to begin the healing process.
Read More: Church Targeted By Trans-Identifying Shooter Asks For Prayer During ‘Impossible Situation’
The post Minnesota School Shooter Said He Was ‘Tired Of Being Trans’: ‘Wish I Never Brain-Washed Myself’ appeared first on Real News Now.
About Author
