On Wednesday morning, what should have been a peaceful start to the school year turned into tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis. A former student opened fire through the windows of the church during Mass, killing two children and injuring 18 others, including 15 kids.
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Publish Your Press ReleaseThe victims have now been identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Both were remembered not by the violence that took their lives, but by the love and light they shared with those around them.
Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, stood before the school on Thursday and asked parents everywhere to “give your kids an extra hug.” His words carried the pain of a family torn apart, yet also a reminder to hold close what matters most. He described Fletcher as a boy who loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport he could try.
“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,”
Jesse said.
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, shared a written statement describing their daughter as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.”
They also spoke of the pain felt by Harper’s younger sister, who adored her big sister and is now grieving “an unimaginable loss.”
“As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”
They wrote
Both families praised the actions of the children, staff, and first responders during the chaos. Jesse Merkel noted that without the “swift and heroic actions” of those inside the church, the tragedy could have been far worse. Harper’s parents also expressed gratitude to the school staff and emergency responders who acted quickly to protect so many lives.
At the church grounds, dolls, flowers, and handwritten notes began to pile up at a growing memorial. People gathered quietly to pray and honor Fletcher and Harper, standing together in grief and solidarity.
The shooter was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student whose mother had once worked at the parish. Police confirmed that Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators said they found no clear trigger for the attack but described Westman as someone who “harbored a whole lot of hate towards a wide variety of people and groups” and who had an unhealthy obsession with past mass shootings.
As the investigation continues, the families want their children’s memories to live on. Jesse Merkel asked the public to remember Fletcher “for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life.” Harper’s parents called on the tragedy to fuel meaningful action.
“No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” they said. They urged leaders and communities to take real steps against gun violence and the mental health crisis.
“Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”
What happened in Minneapolis has shaken an entire community, but the words of Fletcher and Harper’s parents echo beyond it. The father’s plea is simple: hug your kids tonight, hold them closer, and remember what truly matters.
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