The quick-thinking actions of middle school students helped shield younger children from danger during a mass shooting at a church in Minneapolis.
According to New York Post, on August 27, 2025, a mass shooting at Annunciation Church left two children dead and 18 others injured, with the older students’ use of the school's buddy system credited with preventing even more casualties.
The incident occurred during a back-to-school Mass held at Annunciation Church, attended by students and staff of Annunciation Catholic School. According to authorities, the shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, began firing from outside the church through its stained glass windows during the service.
Westman was a former student of the school and the child of the church’s longtime parish secretary. Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, officials confirmed later that day. The attack happened just two days after the school year had begun for the students at Annunciation.
Two Young Victims Remembered by Families
The victims who lost their lives in the shooting were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. In addition to the two fatalities, 18 people were injured, fifteen of whom were children between the ages of 6 and 15. Emergency Medical Services Chief Marty Scheerer reported that one child had been shot in the back while shielding another student from harm.
Westman had posted disturbing materials online before the shooting. Videos reportedly showed a handwritten manifesto and images of gun magazines labeled with statements such as “kill Donald Trump” and “for the children.” In one entry, Westman expressed distress about their gender identity and singled out their long hair as a symbol of internal conflict.
The shooter’s parent, Mary Grace Westman, works as the parish secretary at Annunciation Church. She is currently not cooperating with law enforcement and has retained a criminal defense attorney. Her attorney stated she feels devastated by what happened but denies having any responsibility.
Student Responses Likely Prevented More Tragedy
According to parents and staff, the school uses a “buddy system” during special events, including Mass, where older students are paired with younger children. Students walk to the church together, sit with their partners, and participate in the service side by side. This system, meant to foster mentorship and familiarity between age groups, played a vital role in the emergency response.
Parent Michael Burt, who has five children enrolled at the school, said the older students took immediate action when the gunfire erupted. "The first action by those middle schoolers," Burt explained, "was to push their buddies down under the pew." He added that many of the injured were older students who stood up to shield their younger companions.
Security video obtained by NBC captured those moments, showing older children physically guiding their younger counterparts out of harm’s way and helping them take cover. The footage affirms firsthand accounts from both staff and families of how the buddy system functioned in a life-saving capacity during the crisis.
School and Community Express Deep Gratitude
The school’s principal, Matthew DeBoer, praised the students' bravery and presence of mind. He emphasized the courage shown by both adults and older children. “It could have been significantly worse without their heroic actions,” DeBoer said, adding that the community’s emergency response and focus on student protection were key in the aftermath.
This marks the first such tragedy in the history of the Annunciation parish and school, which had only just resumed classes earlier in the week. The school is now working closely with grieving families and providing counseling and support for affected students and staff.
The role of the buddy system—typically seen as a simple act of school routine—became a crucial defense during the attack. Reports highlighted that many students who had used these systems numerous times before instinctively followed its structure to help younger classmates.
Vigil Honoring Victims Draws Crowd
Community members gathered at Lynnhurst Park shortly after the event to mourn those lost and to support the injured and their families. The vigil included candles, prayers, and statements from local leaders. Many praised the middle school students and their composure during the tragedy.
The city of Minneapolis has pledged resources to aid in long-term recovery and trauma support for those affected. In light of the shooting, local school officials have also begun reviewing safety procedures for all future public school events and gatherings.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooter’s motive, background, and planning. They have started reviewing the content of the manifesto and digital materials posted before the shooting to understand possible warning signs and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Investigators Review Shooter’s Past and Motives
Meanwhile, the shooter’s statements and online content have drawn national attention. In a portion of their manifesto, Westman expressed regret over their identity and personal choices, writing, “I wish I had never brainwashed myself.” The date of the attack and method suggest premeditation, according to sources close to the case.
Investigators are analyzing how Westman, a former student of the school, may have used knowledge of the church and school routines in the planning of the attack. The manifesto's phrases, including "for the children," have raised questions about whether Westman perceived the shooting as symbolic or politically charged in some way.
As the community continues to grieve, city and school leaders emphasize the acts of courage that protected many more young lives that day. The buddy system, once a feature of school camaraderie, is now seen as a key element that helped mitigate an even deeper tragedy.
