CNN host Jake Tapper shifted coverage of the deadly school shooting in Minneapolis to emphasize the shooter’s gender identity, pausing a live segment to correct the record on pronouns and name usage, as reported by the Western Journal.
The shooting took place at Annunciation Catholic School during morning Mass around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 others were injured — including 14 students ranging from 6 to 15 years old and three adults. Police said all injured victims are expected to survive.
The shooter was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student of the school. Authorities confirmed that Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Robin Westman — a transgender — shot & killed 2 children, injuring 17 others, at a Catholic school during Mass in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Call it What It is: This is an act of domestic terrorism by a trans individual targeting Catholics. pic.twitter.com/rzUAx5OFZU
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) August 27, 2025
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Court records show that Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, petitioned in 2019 to change her child’s legal name from Robert Paul Westman to Robin in order to reflect Westman’s gender identity.
During CNN’s coverage, correspondent Brian Todd was discussing the ongoing investigation when Tapper interrupted to clarify the shooter’s gender identity.
“The Minneapolis Star Tribune says, according to court records, because there’s been some confusion about what the shooter’s name was. Robin Westman’s mother applied to change her child’s name in 2019. It was at one point Robert Paul Westman,” Tapper said.
After Todd confirmed, Tapper added:
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“But since she identifies as a female and wants her name to reflect that identification was underage, it’s now Robin Westman.”
Todd himself had not mentioned gender identity during his report, but Tapper redirected the conversation to ensure the name and pronouns were addressed.
His remarks came hours after Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other Democrats urged the public not to target the transgender community in reaction to the attack.
A deranged killer slaughters innocent children.
CNN’s Jake Tapper: But did we use the right pronouns? Let’s not misgender them. Babies are DEAD and this is how CNN responds. This is how broken the Left has become. pic.twitter.com/opVFcmryuv — Wesley Hunt (@WesleyHuntTX) August 28, 2025
The shooting has intensified scrutiny of Westman’s background. A former student of Annunciation, Westman had ties to the school through his mother, who worked as a parish secretary until 2021
. Investigators confirmed Westman posted videos online prior to the attack, including footage of firearms marked with messages threatening former President Donald Trump.
Authorities said Westman fired from outside into the church’s stained-glass windows before entering and opening fire inside the sanctuary.
As the investigation continues, the focus on the shooter’s gender identity by some officials and media outlets has drawn attention alongside the tragedy itself.
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