Minneapolis is reeling after a horrific shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday morning.
The tragedy claimed the lives of two young children and left dozens injured, shaking the local community and prompting calls for urgent action on gun violence.
Remembering Fletcher Merkel
Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel was one of the victims of the attack.
His father, Jesse Merkel, spoke at a news conference, describing the heartbreaking loss.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” he said.
“We will never again hold him, play with him, or watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was destined to become.”
Jesse urged parents to cherish their children a little more each day and asked the public to remember Fletcher for the person he was, not the tragedy that ended his life.
“We love you, Fletcher. You will always be with us,” he concluded.
Honoring Harper Moyski
The second child killed was 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
Her parents described her as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved,” and spoke of the devastating impact on her younger sister.
“Our hearts are broken,” they said. “We hope Harper’s memory fuels action.
We urge leaders to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country.”
They expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers from the community, hoping Harper’s spirit inspires a safer, more compassionate world.
One Child Still Hospitalized
Hospital officials confirmed that one child remains in critical condition at Children’s Minnesota Hospital.
Six others were treated and discharged after the attack.
Officials initially reported nine patients, including one in critical condition.
Meanwhile, Hennepin Healthcare Clinic reported providing care to multiple victims, highlighting the scale of the tragedy.
Heroic Community Response
Neighbors rushed to help in the immediate aftermath. Patrick Scallen, 71, ran to the church after hearing gunfire.
He helped injured children, calming them until emergency responders arrived.
“I knew I had to take care of those kids until help came,” Scallen recalled.
A little girl shot in the head even asked him to hold her hand.
Details About the Shooter
Police identified the gunman as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a transgender individual who legally changed her name from Robert.
She was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, all legally purchased.
Westman had no prior criminal record or mental health commitments that would have prevented firearm purchases, according to authorities.
Investigators are still determining a motive, although evidence suggests a fascination with previous mass shootings and a disturbing manifesto left online.
Investigating the Motive
Westman had personal connections to Annunciation Catholic School; her mother worked there, and she had once been a student.
While investigators have not confirmed a specific grievance against the church, the attack appears planned over weeks.
Notes found in her manifesto indicate a disturbing obsession with violence, hatred toward multiple groups, and inner turmoil about gender identity.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara described Westman’s behavior as a “classic pathway to an active shooter.”
Heroic Actions Inside the Church
During the attack, a police officer courageously chased after Westman as gunfire rang out.
Inside the church, students scrambled to safety, with some using pews for cover.
Eyewitnesses reported a scene of chaos and fear lasting about two minutes, during which children tried to protect one another.
Support and Healing
Communities across Minneapolis are coming together.
Vigils drew hundreds of attendees, including Governor Tim Walz and clergy members, to honor the victims.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda praised the courage and love displayed by the students during the tragedy.
Schools are assessing safety measures, and Annunciation Catholic School has yet to announce when classes will resume.
Professional agencies are working to help the community navigate this unimaginable time.
Calls for Gun Reform
The shooting has reignited debates about gun control. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Rep. Ilhan Omar both called for bans on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
“Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough,” Frey said. “It’s on all of us to see this through. We need action at a federal and state level.”
National Attention and Reactions
President Trump and First Lady Melania offered prayers for the victims, while the FBI continues to investigate the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Authorities are also reviewing Westman’s manifesto and social media activity for further insights.
Looking Ahead
The tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the profound impact on families and communities.
As Minneapolis mourns, the city is also rallying to support the victims, honor the lives lost, and seek meaningful change to prevent future attacks.
