Minneapolis, MN — The FBI is searching for the mother of Robin Westman, the 23-year-old gunman responsible for killing two children at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. Authorities say Mary Grace Westman has refused to cooperate with the investigation following her son’s deadly attack.
On Wednesday, federal agents raided an apartment in East Naples, Florida, belonging to Ms. Westman, but left empty-handed after failing to make contact. Local news footage captured plain-clothes agents knocking on the door and calling for “Miss Westman,” with no response.
Deadly Church Shooting
The shooting unfolded on Wednesday morning when Robin Westman opened fire at the Annunciation Church. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman killed two children—eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
- 15 children and 3 elderly parishioners were also injured, but all are expected to survive.
- After the attack, Westman shot himself in the church parking lot.
Law enforcement believes that speaking to Ms. Westman, who worked at the church school until her retirement four years ago, may help explain the motive behind her son’s violent actions The Telegraph..
“We have not been successful in talking to the shooter’s mother,” said Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis’ police chief, in a Thursday press conference.
“There continue to be efforts made to get that done.”
FBI’s Efforts to Find Mary Grace Westman
On Wednesday, the FBI conducted a search at Ms. Westman’s apartment in East Naples, Florida. Vehicles from the local Collier County Sheriff’s Office were also spotted at the apartment complex.
However, agents left without making any arrests or obtaining significant information. Ms. Westman’s whereabouts remain unknown. Public records show she has a second property in Minneapolis, a few miles away from the church, which she may have fled after the attack.
As of Friday afternoon, authorities stated that they had been in contact with Ms. Westman but did not clarify whether she was cooperating.
Shooter’s Manifesto and Personal Struggles
Robin Westman left behind a manifesto written in Cyrillic characters, in which he expressed anger at various figures, including Donald Trump and Elon Musk, even contemplating them as potential targets. In the manifesto, he referred to his violent actions as “heroic and necessary,” noting that his family would endure “hatred and criticism.”
Family members revealed that Westman had recently gone through a break-up with a romantic partner before carrying out the shooting. His father, James Westman, told police that his son had been staying with a friend after the split.
- James Westman said that his son recently “broke up with a significant and/or romantic partner” and had been staying with a friend.
Legal Representation for Mary Grace Westman
Ms. Westman, 67, has hired Ryan Garry, a criminal defense attorney, to represent her. Garry told Fox News that she is “completely distraught” and has no involvement in the shooting, adding that she is seeking legal counsel to handle the influx of calls related to the case.
- Ms. Westman signed off on her son’s legal name change from Robert to Robin when he was just 17 years old.
Community Reaction
Neighbors of Ms. Westman in Florida expressed shock at the events, describing her as a pillar of the community. One woman, who lived next door, told local media, “She’s talked about quite highly and she’s been very helpful to a lot of neighbors when neighbors were in need.”
Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her son’s actions, locals in Florida have expressed disbelief, praising her as a kind and supportive figure.
What are your thoughts on the search for Robin Westman’s mother? Share your views in the comments below.
