The father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, one of two children killed in Wednesday’s Minneapolis church shooting, called the attacker a “coward” who stole his son’s future. The shooting occurred during a Catholic Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, leaving two children dead and 18 others wounded, including 15 kids.
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Distribute Press Release Now“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us,” his father, Jesse Merkel, said in a statement Thursday. “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.” Fletcher, remembered as joyful and active, loved sports, fishing, and cooking.
Two Children Lost, Dozens Wounded
The second victim was identified as 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement that Harper was “a bright, joyful and deeply loved” child whose “laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.”
Among the 18 injured, 13-year-old Endre Gunter survived a gunshot to the stomach and underwent surgery. His mother, Danielle Gunter, said an officer rendered aid, hugged him, and prayed with him before paramedics arrived. Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas also remains in critical condition after emergency surgery. Her mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, was at work when she learned of her daughter’s injuries.
Authorities: Shooter Targeted Children
Acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Joe Thompson revealed that investigators found hundreds of pages of the shooter’s writings. He said the attacker was obsessed with killing children. “The shooter saw the attack as a way to target our most vulnerable among us,” Thompson said. “The shooter wanted to watch children suffer.”
Police reported the suspect entered the church at 8:30 a.m., fired dozens of rounds, and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The suspect carried three firearms. Authorities have not released a motive.
Families and Community in Mourning
Parents and children described moments of terror as stained-glass windows shattered and parishioners ducked for cover. Vincent Francoual, whose daughter Chloe survived, said she now struggles with survivor’s guilt. “She thought she was going to die yesterday,” he said. “It’s two families who don’t have their kids and so it’s been a lot.”
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence. “These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without fear,” Frey said at a press conference.
National and Global Response
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff nationwide until August 31, 2025, in honor of the victims (White House). Pope Leo XIV also sent condolences to Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Minneapolis, extending his blessing to the grieving community.
The tragedy comes as schools and churches nationwide face a wave of active shooter threats. Experts warn that the incident underscores the urgent debate over gun access and community safety (Reuters).
For families like the Merkels and the Moysis, the grief is immeasurable. “While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing,” Fletcher’s father said. “I pray that the other victim’s family can find some semblance of the same.”
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