By OLIVER SALT, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR and WILL POTTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER
Published: 14:51 EDT, 27 August 2025 | Updated: 14:53 EDT, 27 August 2025
The Minnesota Vikings have been left 'devastated' by the horror shooting that claimed the lives of two children at a parish school church in Minneapolis.
The two elementary school students, aged eight and 10, were murdered when a gunman opened fire during the Wednesday morning service at Annunciation Catholic Church.
The shooter has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, whochanged his name from Robert to Robin in 2020 - when he was 17.
Westman, dressed in all black and armed with a rifle, a shotgun and a pistol, 'pepper-sprayed' bullets through the church's stained glass windows as helpless children, staff and parents rushed for cover.
Seventeen people, including 14 children, were also injured during the 'deliberate act of violence', Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed.
After hearing the heartbreaking news, the Vikings took to social media to express their agony at what played out in the Minnesota city.
The Minnesota Vikings have been left 'devastated' by the horror shooting that killed two children at a parish school church in Minneapolis
The heartbreaking events played out at Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday morning
'We are devastated by the horrific violence that took place at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis this morning,' the NFL franchise said in a statement. 'Our hearts are broken for the victims, their families and all who have been impacted by this senseless and cowardly act.
'We are praying for the injured, those who witnessed the attack and the first responders who were on the scene providing care and support during this tragedy.'
At least 20 people are feared to have been gunned down in the incident, although authorities have not yet confirmed how many victims there are.
Multiple children have been taken to a nearby hospital, law enforcement sources told KARE. It is unclear exactly how many children have been hurt.
Minnesota state troopers, local police, FBI agents, SWAT officers, paramedics and a large number of ambulances are currently at the scene.
The gunman is dead, law enforcement sources told FOX 9.
Minnesota Vikings