Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said investigators “do not yet have a clear motive” for a school shooting that left two children dead and 17 others injured.
Recovered writings and weapon markings included anti-Trump and anti-Christian messages.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the shooter was identified as 23-year-old Robert “Robin” Westman, who legally changed his name from Robert in 2020 while identifying as “transgender.” Court filings show the change occurred while he was still a minor.
Westman opened fire on August 27 inside a Catholic school in Minneapolis while children were attending a back-to-school Mass.
O’Hara told CNN, “Right now we do not have a clear motive for why he did this,” adding that investigators are still reviewing evidence.
Police documents and online images showed messages scrawled on Westman’s weapons, including “Where is your God?,” “Kill Trump now,” “6 million was not enough,” and “I’m the woker, baby. Why so queer is?…” One rifle appeared to bear anti-Christian markings, and a target board featured an image of Jesus Christ.
In a since-deleted YouTube video, Westman expressed regret over transitioning, saying, “I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself.” He added, “I regret being trans… I wish I was a girl I just know I cannot achieve that body with the technology we have today. I also can’t afford that.”
Another piece of evidence reportedly showed a drawing of Westman facing a mirror with a firearm, the reflection appearing as a demonic figure.
The Minneapolis shooter posted a picture of himself with a demon reflection in the mirror.
Make sure your kids have a relationship with Jesus. Their eternal life is at stake. pic.twitter.com/0haGOIkrTT
— Christian Tweets (@JesusSavesUs777) August 27, 2025
National Debate Over Prayer
The tragedy also sparked a national debate over the role of prayer in the aftermath of mass shootings.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed the phrase “thoughts and prayers,” noting that the victims had been praying when the gunman opened fire. Former Biden Press Secretary Jen Psaki echoed the sentiment on X, writing, “Prayer is not freaking enough… Enough with the thoughts and prayers.”
Vice President JD Vance countered Paski’s remarks:
We pray because our hearts are broken. We pray because we know God listens. We pray because we know that God works in mysterious ways, and can inspire us to further action.
Why do you feel the need to attack other people for praying when kids were just killed praying? https://t.co/KfTJ71Hcjf
— JD Vance (@JDVance) August 28, 2025
The shooting prompted national reaction.
Charlie Kirk posted on X, “The evil perpetrated on young people by the trans medical industry is something future generations will look upon with horror.”
Activist Scott Presler called it “an act of domestic terrorism by a trans individual targeting Catholics.”
The Dallas Express reached out to the Minneapolis Police Department for comment, but did not receive a response.