The families of the two fatal victims of the gun attack that occurred last Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis confirmed on Thursday, August 28, the identity of the children. They are Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, who died during the school mass interrupted by the attack of Robin Westman, a former student of the school.
The case has sent shockwaves through Minnesota and across the country, again highlighting the vulnerability of children to gun violence in schools, a problem that continues to claim lives despite decades of political debate.
The memory of Fletcher Merkel
In front of the school, Jesse Merkel, father of little Fletcher, shared an emotional message, according to Noticias Telemundo.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to snatch our 8-year-old son from us.
“We will never again be able to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was becoming.”
Fletcher, the second youngest of four siblings, was attending mass with two of his brothers, who were unharmed.
According to family spokesperson Blois Olson, Fletcher enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and was passionate about activities such as fishing, cooking and sports.
“Give your children one more hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you will always be with us,” their father concluded in an appeal that touched hearts throughout the community.
The memory of Harper Moyski
The second victim was identified as Harper Moyski, age 10.
Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, issued a statement in which they described her as “a bright, cheerful and deeply loved child whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched all who knew her.”
The message also highlighted the pain of her younger sister, who adored Harper and now faces an unimaginable loss.
“Harper’s light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory will inspire others to work for a safer and more compassionate world,” her parents said.
A call against gun violence
Both the Merkel family and the Moyski family agreed in thanking the Annunciation community, first responders and school staff who acted quickly to save lives.
However, they also called for urgent change.
“We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful action to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country.
Change is possible and necessary, so that Harper’s story does not become another in a long line of tragedies,” the Moyski family emphasized.
What is known about the attack
Acting Minnesota U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson stated that Westman “idolized some of the most notorious school attackers and mass murderers in the nation’s history.”
In addition, he said Robin Westman who was “obsessed with the idea of killing defenseless children.”
Authorities confirmed that the assailant used three legally acquired firearms: A rifle, a shotgun and a handgun.
More than 100 rifle cartridges and several shotgun shells were recovered at the scene of the attack.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara detailed that the attacker went on to fire more than 116 shots before taking his own life at the scene.
The toll of the attack, in addition to the two fatalities, included 15 injured children, ages 6 to 15, as well as three adult parishioners.
Two of the minors remained in critical condition Thursday morning, hospital officials said.
A tragedy that demands answers
Buzzy
The Annunciation Catholic school shooting not only mourned two families, but reignited the national debate about gun violence in schools.
For Hispanic communities in the U.S., where many parents face the anguish of sending their children to school, this tragedy once again raises urgent questions: how to protect children and prevent events like this from happening again?
The voice of the Merkel and Moyski families adds to a growing demand: that the memory of Fletcher and Harper drive real change in safety and mental health policies.
Because, as her parents said, no family should have to go through this pain.
We will never again be able to hold him, talk to him, play with him and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was becoming
Jesse Merkel, Fletcher's father
