On August 27, 2025, the shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two children dead and 17 others injured.

The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, took his own life after the attack.

Since the incident, authorities have been unable to contact Robin’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, raising questions about her whereabouts and lack of cooperation.

Mary Grace Westman: No Response to Police

Mary Grace Westman, Robin’s mother, has not spoken to law enforcement since the shooting, despite multiple attempts to reach her.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated during a press conference on August 28, 2025, “We have not been successful in talking to the shooter’s mother.” Authorities have tried contacting her at least three times, using phone calls, text messages, and visits to her listed residence, but she has not responded.

There are no confirmed public sightings of Mary Grace. Neighbors in Minneapolis described her as part of a “great family,” but no one has reported seeing her in the days following the tragedy.

Reports indicate she owns a condo in Naples, Florida, purchased in 2022, but neighbors there told the media they did not know her, and journalists observed media presence outside the property with no sign of her.

Who Is Mary Grace Westman?

Mary Grace Westman, 65, worked as a parish secretary at Annunciation Catholic Church from 2016 until her retirement in 2021.

A 2021 Facebook post by the church praised her for her “wonderful hospitality, friendship, and compassion” during her five years of service.

She was also listed on the honor roll of school donors for contributing up to $5,000.

A former colleague noted that Mary Grace struggled with Robin’s transgender identity, saying, “She didn’t know how she felt, but it weighed heavily on her,” citing her Catholic faith.

There is no evidence suggesting she had prior knowledge of the attack, and police have stated she is not under investigation.

Police Efforts to Contact Robin’s Father

Robin’s father, James Allen Westman, has also been approached by authorities.

Public records show he owns a home less than a mile from the church.

Reporters attempted to reach him at this address, but no one answered the door, and phone calls went unanswered. There is no public record of James responding to police, and it’s unclear if he has cooperated.

His occupation is not explicitly mentioned in available reports, there are X posts about James working for the CIA, but the information has not been confirmed.

James is described as a Minneapolis resident. The couple divorced in 2013 after 25 years of marriage. No other information is available about Robin’s father.

Robin Westman’s Manifesto: A Glimpse into Their Mind

Robin Westman, who legally changed his name from Robert to Robin in 2020 to reflect their female identity, left behind a chilling manifesto and YouTube videos posted just before the attack.

The manifesto, described as a four-page handwritten letter, included disturbing insights into their mental state. Here are key quotes from the document:

• “I don’t expect forgiveness and I don’t expect any apology I have to hold much weight, but to my family and those close to me, I do apologize for the effects my actions will have on your lives.”
• “I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away. I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself.”
• “I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world.”

The manifesto also expressed frustration with their transgender identity, with Westman writing, “I am tired of being trans, I wish I never brain-washed myself.”

The videos showed weapons with hateful messages like “Kill Donald Trump,” “Burn Israel,” and references to past school shooters, indicating an obsession with mass violence.

Westman posted videos of his ammo, guns, and letter manifesto which are now banned from YouTube.

The FBI is investigating the attack as a possible hate crime and act of domestic terrorism.

Police Efforts to Contact Mary Grace

Authorities have used multiple methods to reach Mary Grace Westman, including:

• Phone Calls and Text Messages: Police and reporters have called and texted a cellphone number linked to her, but received no response.
• In-Person Visits: Officers visited her listed residence in Minneapolis, but she was not there or did not answer.
• Ongoing Efforts: Chief O’Hara emphasized that police are still trying to contact her, indicating persistent attempts to gain her cooperation.

Additional Key Information

• Robin’s Background: Robin Westman, 23, was a former student at Annunciation Catholic School, graduating from eighth grade in 2017.
• He briefly attended Minnesota Transitions Charter School and Southwest High School, graduating in 2021. Westman had no criminal history and legally purchased the rifle, shotgun, and pistol used in the attack.
• Community Reaction: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned efforts to use the shooting to vilify the transgender community, urging focus on the victims. Vigils were held to honor the two children killed, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
• Investigation Details: Police recovered 116 rifle rounds, three shotgun shells, and one handgun round at the scene. Westman barricaded doors and used a smoke bomb, suggesting premeditation.
• The FBI is analyzing the videos and manifesto to determine a motive, which remains unclear.
• Family Silence: Beyond Mary Grace, Robin’s siblings and other relatives have not responded to media or police inquiries.
• Robin’s uncle, former Kentucky lawmaker Bob Heleringer, expressed grief, saying, “I wish he had shot me instead of innocent schoolchildren.”

Why This Matters

The lack of cooperation from Mary Grace Westman adds complexity to the investigation, as police seek to understand Robin’s motives and any potential warning signs. Her and her husband’s silence, combined with the absence of confirmed sightings, has fueled speculation.

Authorities continue to investigate, hoping for answers from Mary Grace or others close to Robin Westman.