A wave of disturbing social-media posts and news footage has led to a simple — but explosive — question: did the gunman who attacked Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis scrawl “Nuke India” on his weapons or ammunition? Officials and investigators are still piecing together motive and evidence, but multiple video clips and news outlets show markings and messages on the firearms and magazines used in the attack.
What happened: the basics
On Aug. 27, a shooter opened fire through windows at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis during a morning Mass, killing two children and injuring at least 17 others. The suspect — identified by authorities as 23-year-old Robin Westman — was later found dead at the scene from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot. Federal and local investigators, including the FBI, are treating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and are examining possible hate-crime motives.
The “Nuke India” allegation — what the footage shows
Shortly before the shooting, videos believed to be posted by the suspect circulated online and were later removed by platform moderators. Those clips, which have been widely reshared, include footage of firearms and magazines bearing white lettering and handwritten messages. Several news outlets — citing the circulating clips and social-media posts — report that one of the inscriptions visible in the footage reads “Nuke India.” Other inflammatory phrases such as “Kill Donald Trump,” “Israel Must Fall,” and similar slogans are also visible in some frames.
It’s important to note that investigators are still verifying the materials, their provenance and context. Law enforcement officials say they are reviewing the videos, notebooks, and other evidence found with the suspect as part of a broader investigation into motive and any potential outside influences.
How media and officials are reporting it
Major outlets — from the Associated Press to regional and international newsrooms — report that the weapons shown in the suspect’s videos were marked with several hostile messages. Journalists who reviewed the same now-deleted clips flagged the “Nuke India” text as one of the clearly visible phrases, which has stirred alarm in Indian and South Asian communities and on social platforms. At the same time, police warnings emphasize that public-facing videos can be edited or taken out of context; investigators will determine what exactly was written, when, and whether it reflects a coherent motive.
Why this matters — context and community impact
If verified, a phrase like “Nuke India” on a shooter’s weaponry would be a rare and extreme example of targeted anti-Indian rhetoric in an American mass-violence event. Authorities warn against jumping to conclusions about motive until forensics, digital forensics and interviews are complete — but communities affected by the attack are already calling for prompt transparency and protections against copycat threats and hate-based backlash. Religious leaders, local officials and advocacy groups have urged calm while pressing for swift answers.
What investigators say they’ll do next
Police and the FBI are cataloguing video, written material and physical evidence seized from the scene and related locations. Officials have said they will trace the origin of online uploads, verify timestamps, and consult forensic analysts to determine whether the inscriptions were made by the shooter and when. The probe may take days or weeks; federal investigators have said the public will be updated when reliable, confirmed findings are available.
Bottom line
Multiple credible news outlets and circulating videos show messages on the shooter’s guns and magazines, and several outlets specifically report seeing the phrase “Nuke India.” Investigators are still verifying all evidence and motives; until law-enforcement releases a full forensic finding, reporting is based on videos and images that are now under official review.
