Minneapolis Shooting Victims Identified as 8 and 10-Year-Old Students
Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, were killed during Wednesday's shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, leaving families and a community in mourning.
Two Children Killed in Catholic School Shooting
Parents have identified the two victims of Wednesday's gun attack at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis as 10-year-old Harper Moyski and 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel. The shooting occurred during Mass, also injuring 18 others, including 15 students and three elderly adults.
Family Tributes
Fletcher's father, Jesse Merkel, described his son as a sports enthusiast who loved fishing and cooking. He urged the public to remember Fletcher's joyful spirit rather than his tragic death and said the family plans to establish a scholarship fund in his name.
Harper's parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, praised their daughter as bright and kind, noting her laughter and warmth touched everyone who knew her. They hope her memory will spur action against gun violence and said, "No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain."
Community Response
Vigils have been held across Minneapolis and St. Paul, and flags were lowered to half-mast. A moment of silence preceded the baseball game between the Minnesota Twins and the Toronto Blue Jays.
Authorities have not released a clear motive but noted the suspect held extreme anti-religious beliefs and had previously attended the school. The assailant's mother, a former staff member, has not responded to law enforcement inquiries.
The deaths of Harper and Fletcher have deepened calls for stronger measures against gun violence and highlighted the heartbreak endured by families and communities.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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