The Minneapolis community is in shock following a tragic incident at a local church where two Catholic school students, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were fatally shot during Mass. The children were among a group of classmates who were injured by a shooter identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman. Authorities revealed that Westman fired multiple rifle rounds through the church’s stained-glass windows, causing devastation without even entering the building.
The families of the victims are struggling to come to terms with the senseless violence that took the lives of their children. Jesse Merkel, the father of Fletcher, tearfully asked the community to remember his son for his love of family, fishing, and cooking, urging everyone to focus on the boy’s life rather than the tragic circumstances of his death.
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, are calling for changes in gun violence prevention and mental health support in honor of their daughter. They believe that Harper’s story should not be another statistic in a series of heartbreaking tragedies.
The shooter, Robin Westman, who took their own life after the attack, left behind writings and videos expressing hate towards various groups. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, with FBI Director Kash Patel labeling it as an act of domestic terrorism driven by hate-filled ideology.
Despite the devastating loss, the community is coming together to support the affected families and ensure that the memories of the young victims, Fletcher and Harper, are cherished and honored.