A former teacher of Minneapolis shooter Robin Westman revealed that concerns about the young woman’s mental health had been raised years before she committed a deadly attack at the Annunciation Catholic Church, claiming the lives of two children and injuring 18 other worshippers.

The 23-year-old transgender shooter killed eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Moyski early on Wednesday morning in what authorities have described as a senseless act of violence. Westman later died by suicide at the scene.

Art teacher Sarah Reely, who once taught Westman under the name Bob, recalled troubling signs she had observed while the student was in her classroom. In a Facebook post, Reely explained: “I knew this was a kid who needed help.” She described Westman as “definitely odd,” with a strong interest in furries and unique artwork, noting that, at the time, she had not exhibited violent behavior toward others.

However, Reely reported observing “evidence of self-harm” on Westman’s arms, which prompted her to raise concerns with school authorities. “Self-harm is either a cry for help, an indication of self-hate, or both. But it’s always a sign that something is wrong,” she explained.

Despite her efforts, Westman was transferred to another school and eventually disappeared from Reely’s view.

Reflecting on her experience, Reely emphasized that “being odd isn’t a red flag” in itself, but in Westman’s case, it appeared the student struggled to fit in. Reely noted the additional challenges faced by queer students in conservative environments, saying she had intentionally tried to build a supportive relationship with Westman.

Court documents indicate that Westman legally changed her name from Robert to Robin in 2020 to reflect her gender identity. Yet, in a handwritten manifesto shared via a YouTube video before the attack, Westman expressed doubts about her transition.

“I only keep [the long hair] because it is pretty much my last shred of being trans. I am tired of being trans I wish I had never brainwashed myself,” she wrote. The manifesto also suggested a troubled mindset, detailing personal frustrations and plans for the day of the attack.

The tragedy has sparked discussions about systemic failures in supporting at-risk youth. Reely criticized the politicization of the incident, pointing out that debates over gun control or attacks on the transgender community miss the broader issue. She stressed that “almost all mass shooters have been cisgender men,” and that Westman’s case highlights the consequences of multiple system failures.

“Every murderer was once a kid in someone’s classroom who needed help,” Reely said. She urged attention to the lack of accessible mental health resources for troubled youth, noting the barriers families face, including long waitlists, difficulty connecting with the right specialists, stigma, and high costs, particularly for those without insurance. Many schools, she added, can afford only a single mental health professional to serve hundreds of students, leaving numerous warning signs unnoticed.

Experts in youth mental health have echoed these concerns. Dr. Angela Martinez, a clinical psychologist specializing in adolescent behavior, says incidents like the Minneapolis shooting underline the need for early intervention.

“Preventing tragedies requires accessible support systems, not just reactive measures after something goes wrong,” Martinez explained. She emphasized the importance of routine mental health screenings, school counseling programs, and community support networks that can identify and help at-risk youth before problems escalate.

Police reports and witness statements indicate that Westman was heavily armed at the time of the attack, carrying both a rifle and a shotgun. Law enforcement officials noted that she had no prior criminal record, which meant she could legally obtain firearms despite her mental health history. Authorities continue to investigate how the shooter acquired weapons and whether systemic gaps could be addressed to prevent similar events.

The incident has prompted calls from educators and mental health professionals for stronger preventive measures in schools. Reely emphasized that attention should focus not on political arguments, but on actionable solutions. “We need to increase access to mental health resources, ensure timely evaluations, and support students who are struggling, regardless of their background or identity,” she said.

Local organizations are now working to provide counseling and resources to students and families affected by the tragedy. Community leaders stress that understanding the warning signs—like self-harm, social withdrawal, and expressions of distress—is critical to preventing future incidents. Programs promoting peer support, mentorship, and school-based mental health education are also being discussed as part of a broader strategy to protect vulnerable youth.

While the Minneapolis community mourns the loss of young lives, educators, psychologists, and policymakers are examining systemic gaps to reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies. As Reely concluded, “This issue is deeper and more complicated than we want to admit, but addressing it is essential for the safety and well-being of our children.”

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