The parents of two children fatally shot during a school Mass in Minneapolis have released heartbreaking statements. Ten-year-old Harper Moyski and eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel were killed on Wednesday, August 27, when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire at Annunciation Catholic Church. Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Eighteen others were injured, including 15 schoolchildren aged six to 15 and three parishioners in their 80s. One victim remains in critical condition. The FBI is investigating the attack as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, according to Director Kash Patel. The gunman, a former pupil of the associated school, had recently visited pretending to reconnect with the faith and harboured extreme anti-religious beliefs.
Fletcher's father, Jesse, said: 'Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.' He added: 'Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today.' The Merkel family plans to set up a scholarship fund in their son's name.
Harper's family described her as 'bright, joyful, and deeply loved', noting that her younger sister 'adored' her and is now 'grieving an unimaginable loss'. They hope Harper's memory can 'fuel action' to stop gun violence, stating: 'Change is possible, and it is necessary - so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.'
Vigils have been held across Minneapolis and neighbouring St Paul. A moment of silence was observed before a Minnesota Twins baseball game. President Donald Trump ordered flags at half-mast until Sunday, August 31, and said: 'Please join me in praying for everyone involved.'
