The first photo of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, one of two victims killed in Wednesday’s tragic church shooting in Minneapolis, has been released. The attack took place during the first Mass of the school year at a church adjacent to Annunciation Catholic School.
These two child martyrs died directly due to hatred of the faith (in odium fidei). May 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski who gave their lives for Jesus Christ, pray for us that we may be strengthened in faith and receive the grace of courage to bear… pic.twitter.com/641a4UudKO
— Father V (@father_rmv) August 29, 2025
Fletcher Remembered as Kind-Hearted and Joyful
Fletcher, the second youngest of four siblings, attended the Mass with his two older brothers, who were not injured, according to family spokesperson Blois Olson.
His father, Jessie Merkel, spoke emotionally at a Thursday press conference:
“Yesterday a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us. 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.”
Jessie described Fletcher as a boy who loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and sports.
“While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing,” he said.
Earlier, he urged parents to cherish their children: “Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You’ll always be with us.”
Second Victim Identified as 10-Year-Old Harper Moyski
Local media identified the second victim as 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, shared their heartbreak:
“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her. 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. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”
Details of the Minneapolis Shooting
The shooting happened on Wednesday morning at a church near Annunciation Catholic School during the first school Mass of the year. Two children—Fletcher and Harper—were killed, and 18 others were injured, most of them children.
Among the injured was 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was rushed to the hospital where her mother works as a nurse. A GoFundMe page set up by her father states:
“Sophia was shot during the attack and is currently in critical condition in the ICU. She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult, but she is strong, and she is not alone.”
Shooter Identified as Robin Westman
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed the suspect had three legally purchased firearms: a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. Investigators recovered over 100 rifle rounds, three shotgun rounds, and a jammed handgun bullet at the scene.
The gunman, identified as Robin Westman, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are still investigating the motive. FBI Director Kash Patel called the incident: “An act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology.”
