Shooting victims identified as 8-year-old boy who loved sports and a 'joyful' 10-year-old girl
Fletcher Merkel’s father asked that his son be remembered “for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.” Harper Moyski’s parents said her “light will always shine through us.”
Minneapolis is mourning the loss of two children killed in a devastating shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday morning, an attack that also left 18 others injured and has reignited urgent calls for action on gun violence. Authorities and grieving family members identified the victims Thursday as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, describing them as bright, joyful children whose lives were cut tragically short.
The shooting, which took place during a school Mass, sent waves of shock through the tight-knit Catholic school community and across Minnesota. In the aftermath, parents clutched their children tightly as police escorted students to safety, and makeshift memorials began forming outside the church’s stone façade—a site now marked by grief.
Remembering Fletcher Merkel
At an emotional news conference outside the school, Jesse Merkel, Fletcher’s father, described his son as a loving child with a passion for fishing, cooking, and sports.
“Yesterday a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” Merkel said, his voice breaking. “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, the second youngest of four siblings, had attended Mass with two of his older siblings, who were not injured in the attack. Merkel said the family is heartbroken but hopeful they will “find healing in time.”
“Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life,” he added, urging parents everywhere to “give your kids an extra hug and kiss today.”
Harper Moyski’s Legacy
Harper Moyski was remembered by her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, as a joyful, compassionate child who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
“Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” they said in a statement Thursday. “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.”
The family vowed that Harper’s memory would be a source of strength. “Her light will always shine through us, and we hope her story inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world,” they wrote.
Calls for Action Amid Grief
While expressing deep gratitude to first responders and school staff—many of whom acted heroically to shield children—the Moyski family also issued a pointed plea for change.
“We also believe it is important that her memory fuels action,” they said. “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”
A Chilling Attack
Authorities revealed disturbing details about the shooter, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the attacker carried three legally purchased firearms—a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol—and fired more than 100 rifle rounds inside the church. Officers also recovered shotgun shells and a jammed handgun.
Joseph Thompson, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, said investigators found evidence that the shooter idolized notorious mass murderers and was “obsessed with the idea of killing children.”
“More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children,” Thompson said. “Defenseless children.”
The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Victims and Survivors
In addition to Fletcher and Harper, 15 children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three adult parishioners were injured in the attack. Two victims remained in critical condition Thursday, though hospital officials said several others were in stable condition and expected to recover.
Police and emergency responders were praised for their rapid response, which likely prevented a higher death toll. “Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more,” Merkel said.
A City in Mourning
The Annunciation community, a historic parish school in southwest Minneapolis, has become a focal point for collective grief. Flowers, stuffed animals, and hand-drawn cards now line the school’s entrance, while community members gather nightly for prayer vigils. Counseling teams are working with students, parents, and staff to help them process the trauma.
Mayor Jacob Frey called the shooting “an unthinkable tragedy” and vowed the city would provide resources to support families and survivors. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed those sentiments, describing Fletcher and Harper as “children who deserved to grow up and pursue their dreams.”
The shooting has renewed discussions in Minnesota and beyond about firearm access, school safety, and mental health support. State lawmakers said they are reviewing additional security measures and funding for mental health services in schools.
Holding Onto Their Memory
In their grief, both families emphasized that Fletcher and Harper’s lives should be defined not by tragedy, but by love and light.
“We will carry Harper’s joy with us every day,” her parents wrote. Merkel echoed that sentiment, urging families to cherish every moment with their children: “Give your kids an extra hug today. Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.”
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Clair here💕Words cannot express the sadness of this moment..it is only through the grace of god that we can heal💕
I am weeping for the loss these families are experiencing. The NRA and their supporters in our government have no shame.