Father Recounts Horrific Church Shooting: 'I Don't Wish This Feeling on Anyone'

Pedro Maldonado, a father of two, recounts entering the Minneapolis Catholic church after a shooting that killed two children and wounded 17 others. He arrived to find blood and survivors emerging, and his children Pilar and Pablo were inside during Mass. Maldonado searched for his children and eventually found them, but it took 20 minutes. He expresses sadness and frustration about the incident, saying it's devastating for parents to worry about their children's safety.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A shooter opened fire during a Mass to mark the first week of school, killing two children and wounding 17 others [1]. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, 23, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

The shooting occurred just before 8:30 a.m. local time, as the Mass was about to begin. Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, stood outside the church and fired through its windows. The attack has been described as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics by FBI Director Kash Patel [1].

The aftermath of the shooting has been devastating for the local community. Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others, including three adult parishioners and 14 children, were injured. Children's Minnesota hospital officials reported that three children remained in critical condition, while four patients had been discharged by Thursday morning [2]. The Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara praised the heroic actions of staff members and older children who protected the younger ones under the pews [1].

The shooter's motive remains unclear, but he had legally purchased the guns used in the shooting and had no prior criminal record. Investigators believe the shooter left writings and YouTube videos in connection to the attack, which showed guns and weapon magazines marked with handwritten messages referencing names of past mass shooters and other details [1].

The shooting has sparked a national conversation about gun control and school safety. A Jacksonville mother, Clara Sowers, has called for stronger safety protocols at local Catholic schools following the incident. She alleges that her son faced a threat at Christ the King Catholic School in Arlington in 2023, but the school did not take adequate action [3].

The financial implications of this incident are multifaceted. The immediate costs include medical expenses for the injured, funeral costs for the deceased, and potential legal fees for the investigation. Additionally, the long-term costs may include increased security measures at schools and churches, psychological support for survivors and their families, and potential lawsuits.

The shooting has also raised questions about the financial stability of the Catholic Church in the United States. The church may face increased scrutiny and potential financial strain due to the incident. However, the church has not yet released any official statements regarding the financial impact of the shooting.

In the wake of the shooting, the community has come together to support the victims. Fundraisers have been started, and vigils have been held to honor the deceased and support the injured. The shooter used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol during the attack and died by suicide, officials said, and the motive is unclear [2].

The shooting has had a profound impact on the local community and has raised important questions about gun control and school safety. The financial implications of this incident are significant and will continue to be felt in the coming months and years.

References:
[1] https://www.npr.org/2025/08/28/nx-s1-5519768/minneapolis-school-shooting-church-what-we-know
[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minneapolis-annunciation-church-shooting-victims-update-aug-28-2025/
[3] https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/jacksonville-mom-raises-catholic-school-213340519.html