Minnesota Teen Made a Heartfelt Request to Surgeon Ahead of Emergency Procedure Following School Crisis

In the quiet sanctuary of a Minneapolis church, where families had gathered for a back-to-school Mass, chaos erupted in an instant. Bullets shattered windows, screams filled the air, and lives were forever changed. Amid the horror, one 13-year-old boy, Endre Gunter, clung to his faith with a simple request that touched everyone around him. Shot twice and facing emergency surgery, Endre turned to his surgeon and asked, "Can you say a prayer with me?" His story of courage and resilience stands out as a beacon of hope in a devastating event that claimed young lives and left a community reeling.

### The Shooting That Shook a Community

It was Wednesday, August 27, 2025, around 8:30 a.m., when gunfire pierced the peaceful morning at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Dozens of students, including Endre, were attending the service to mark the start of the school year. Suddenly, shots rang out from outside, coming through the church's windows and sending worshippers scrambling for cover.

City officials later confirmed that two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed in the attack. An additional 18 people were injured, including Endre, who was struck twice in the stomach. The scene was one of unimaginable terror, with law enforcement rushing to secure the area and provide aid. A Minneapolis police officer was among the first to reach Endre, offering immediate help and even joining him in prayer before he was rushed to the hospital.

Investigators described a calculated assault. The shooter had barricaded at least two exits with two-by-fours from the outside, trapping those inside and making escape nearly impossible. Dozens of rounds were fired using three lawfully purchased firearms: a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. The attack unfolded quickly, but its impact would linger far longer, prompting questions about safety in places of worship and the vulnerabilities of everyday gatherings.

Endre's Brave Journey Through Surgery

Endre Gunter's story quickly became a symbol of strength amid the sorrow. As detailed in a GoFundMe page set up by his family, the young boy showed remarkable composure in the face of life-threatening injuries. Before being wheeled into the operating room for emergency surgery, he made his heartfelt request to the surgeon: a moment of prayer. It was a gesture that revealed his deep faith, even at such a tender age.

The fundraiser, which had raised just over $19,000 toward his medical expenses by Thursday afternoon, praised Endre for displaying "strength and faith beyond his years." He survived the operation and began his recovery in the hospital, surrounded by loved ones. The surgeon later shared with relatives that Endre's courage had inspired the entire medical team, turning a moment of crisis into one of profound human connection.

Endre's experience wasn't isolated; he was one of many victims whose lives were upended that day. Yet his response highlighted the personal toll of such violence, reminding us of the innocence lost and the resilience that can emerge from it. As he lay wounded, with a police officer by his side offering comfort, Endre's faith provided a thread of solace in an otherwise dark narrative.

Unraveling the Shooter's Identity and Actions

The perpetrator was identified as Robin Westman, a 23-year-old who had ties to the church. Westman had previously attended Annunciation, and their mother had worked there for five years before retiring in 2016. This connection added a layer of shock to the community, as the attack came from someone who once walked the same halls.

Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Federal authorities are investigating the incident as potential domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Evidence uncovered painted a disturbing picture: a notebook and a now-removed YouTube channel where Westman expressed twisted motivations. "In regards to my motivation behind the attack I can’t really put my finger on a specific purpose. It definitely wouldn’t be for racism or white supremacy," Westman wrote. "I don’t want to do it to spread a message. I do it to please myself. I do it because I am sick."

Further details revealed a video showing a shooting target with an image of Jesus, alongside magazines, ammunition, and guns marked with hateful messages. One included the antisemitic phrase "6 million wasn't enough," referencing the Holocaust, while another bore "psycho killer." A magazine was inscribed with "kill Donald Trump." These elements suggested a mix of personal demons and broader animosities, though Westman denied ideological drives in their writings.

Law enforcement officers combed the surrounding neighborhood after the shooting, ensuring no further threats lingered. The weapons used were all legally obtained, raising ongoing debates about gun access and mental health support in preventing such tragedies.

The Broader Impact on Victims and Families

Beyond Endre's individual story, the shooting left a trail of grief and recovery for many. The two young children who lost their lives were remembered as vibrant and full of promise, their deaths a heartbreaking reminder of the vulnerability of the innocent. The 18 injured, ranging in age and severity, faced physical and emotional scars that would take time to heal.

Families like Endre's turned to community support, with the GoFundMe emphasizing the long road ahead. "He is recovering surrounded by his loved ones and the best medical team possible," the page noted, but acknowledged the challenges of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Other victims' stories began to emerge, each adding to the collective mourning in Minneapolis.

The church itself, a cornerstone of the local Catholic community, became a site of both tragedy and solidarity. In the days following, vigils and support gatherings sprang up, drawing neighbors, faith leaders, and officials together. The incident prompted reflections on how to protect sacred spaces, with calls for enhanced security measures and community vigilance.

A Community's Path to Healing and Reflection

As Minneapolis grapples with the aftermath, the focus shifts to healing and prevention. Endre's family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting how his story has inspired others. The surgeon's account of being moved by the boy's request underscores the human elements that persist even in the darkest times.

Federal and local investigations continue, aiming to piece together any missed signs that could have averted the attack. The classification as a potential hate crime highlights broader societal issues, including rising tensions around faith communities. In Westman's own words, the act stemmed from personal sickness rather than a clear ideology, but the hateful inscriptions suggest deeper undercurrents.

For Endre and the other survivors, recovery will be a journey marked by milestones and setbacks. His simple act of asking for prayer serves as a powerful reminder of faith's role in resilience. As the community comes together, stories like his offer hope that, even in tragedy, courage and compassion can light the way forward.

In the end, this event forces a reckoning: how do we safeguard our children in places meant for peace? Minneapolis, like so many cities before it, now faces that question head-on, drawing strength from young voices like Endre's that refuse to be silenced.