The families of two young victims killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in southwest Minneapolis are speaking out, asking for privacy while honoring the lives of their children.
The victims have been identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Both children were attending morning mass with classmates when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through a church window, killing the two students and injuring more than a dozen others.
On Thursday, Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, gave an emotional statement outside the church. Fighting back tears, he paid tribute to his son while condemning the senseless violence that took his life.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming,” Merkel said.
He described Fletcher as a joyful and active child who loved fishing, cooking, sports, and spending time with family and friends. “While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing,” he continued, also expressing prayers for Harper’s family and the many others wounded in the attack.
As of Thursday, authorities confirmed one child remains in critical condition, with another child and an adult listed as serious, and more than a dozen suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
Merkel urged the public to remember his son for the life he lived, not the tragedy that ended it. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You’ll always be with us.”
Both families have asked for privacy as they grieve their unimaginable loss.
