Minneapolis Grieves Loss of Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Manosur/ Morning Edition/Two children, Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, were killed in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting during Mass. Their grieving families released statements urging the public to remember their children’s joy, kindness, and love. The tragedy, which left 18 others injured, has reignited gun violence and mental health reform debates across Minnesota.
Quick Look: Minneapolis School Shooting Families’ Statements
- Victims: Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8.
- Shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis during Mass.
- Shooter Robin Westman, 23, fired 116 rounds through stained-glass windows, later died by suicide.
- 18 others injured, including children and elderly parishioners.
- Harper’s parents called for gun reform and mental health changes.
- Fletcher’s father asked that his son be remembered for his love of family, fishing, cooking, and sports.
- Community vigils and grief counseling underway for traumatized families and classmates.
Deep Look: Families Remember Harper Moyski and Fletcher Merkel
A Tragedy at the Heart of Minneapolis
What was meant to be a sacred morning of worship turned into horror at Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis. As children sang hymns and families prayed, 23-year-old Robin Westman unleashed a barrage of gunfire from outside the church walls. Within minutes, stained-glass windows shattered, pews splintered, and lives were forever changed.
By the time the chaos ended, two young children — Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10 — were dead.
Another 18 worshippers were wounded, many of them classmates, some elderly parishioners in their 80s.
The tragedy struck in the first week of the school year, underscoring the randomness and cruelty of the violence.
Fletcher Merkel: A Boy of Love and Energy
In a tearful statement, Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, urged the nation to see beyond the tragedy and remember his son’s heart:
“Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport that he was allowed to play. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life.”
Fletcher, described as energetic and kind, had a passion for the outdoors. Fishing trips with his father and afternoons spent cooking simple meals at home highlighted his joy for life. His classmates recalled his playful sense of humor and endless enthusiasm for sports.
Merkel said the hardest part is knowing he will never again “hold him, talk to him, or watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was becoming.”
Harper Moyski: Bright Spirit, Beloved Sister
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, remembered their daughter as a vibrant, kind-hearted child whose laughter filled every room.
“Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper’s sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss,” they said.
Harper was known for her love of reading, her artistic creativity, and her kindness toward classmates. Her parents said they hope her death will not only be remembered as a personal tragedy, but as a call for change.
“Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”
The Shooter: Hate-Fueled and Troubled
Authorities identified the shooter as Robin Westman, a former student whose mother once worked at the parish.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed Westman had a disturbing obsession with mass killings and left behind videos, writings, and hateful manifestos.
- Surveillance footage showed Westman never entered the church but fired 116 rifle rounds blindly through the windows.
- Evidence included writings in Cyrillic script, threats against multiple religious groups, and references to mass shooters.
- On YouTube, Westman allegedly posted videos of weapons scrawled with phrases like “Kill Donald Trump” and “Where is your God?”
The FBI labeled the massacre domestic terrorism, noting the shooter’s ideology targeted a wide array of groups, including political figures and faith communities.
Trauma Inside the Church
For survivors, the memory is haunting. Children ducked under pews, parents shielded their kids, and chaos reigned.
One mother, Tess Rada, said her 8-year-old daughter, a close friend of Fletcher, has been deeply shaken.
“It’s kind of impossible to wrap your head around how to tell an 8-year-old that her friend has been killed,” Rada said.
Police credited quick response times for preventing greater casualties. Officers entered the church within four minutes, administering first aid and guiding children to safety.
Community and National Response
The attack has renewed calls for gun reform and mental health legislation in Minnesota, a state already politically divided on these issues. Vigils across Minneapolis drew thousands of mourners holding candles and signs reading “Save Our Children” and “Faith, Not Fear.”
Religious leaders urged healing, while lawmakers debated solutions. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned hate directed at the transgender community after speculation about Westman’s identity emerged.
Nationally, the shooting reignited the conversation around domestic terrorism, school safety, and the balance between gun rights and community protection.
Investigations Continue
Federal and local investigators are still working through hundreds of pages of writings and digital files. While no clear single motive has emerged, authorities say Westman was deeply depressed and fascinated by mass shootings.
U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson confirmed:
“Westman expressed hate toward almost every group imaginable. This was not a random act of violence — it was an ideology-driven attack.”
Remembering the Children, Demanding Change
In the days since the shooting, the stories of Fletcher and Harper have transformed grief into a rallying cry.
- Fletcher’s father emphasized remembrance through love.
- Harper’s parents called for systemic change to prevent future tragedies.
- The community vowed to support the survivors and honor the children’s legacies.
As Minneapolis mourns, families across the nation are reminded to hug their children tighter, cherish their time together, and push for a safer future.
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