🕯️ A Community in Mourning: Families Speak After Annunciation Catholic Church Shooting Claims Two Children
On the morning of August 27, 2025, the sacred stillness of Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis was shattered by gunfire. A shooter opened fire through the stained-glass windows of the church, targeting children and worshippers gathered for the first week of school. In the aftermath, two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—were confirmed dead, and 18 others were injured. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, died by suicide shortly after the attack.
Now, the families of Fletcher and Harper have spoken publicly, offering not only grief-stricken tributes but also calls for healing, unity, and change.
👦 Remembering Fletcher Merkel: A Father’s Grief, A Community’s Loss
Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, delivered a deeply emotional statement outside the church, surrounded by mourners and reporters. In , Jesse’s voice trembled as he described his son as “a loving child who enjoyed fishing, cooking, and any sport he was allowed to play.” He added, “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.”
In , Jesse urged the public to “remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.” He asked parents everywhere to “give your kids an extra hug and kiss today,” a plea that resonated across social media and news outlets.
His statement was not only a tribute—it was a call for empathy. “We ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy,” Jesse said, emphasizing the need for collective healing and understanding.
👧 Honoring Harper Moyski: A Bright Light Extinguished Too Soon
Harper’s family released a written statement describing her as “a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.” They called for action in her memory, writing, “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country.”
Their words echoed the sentiment of Jesse Merkel’s plea: that these children’s lives must not be reduced to statistics or headlines. They must be remembered for who they were—and their stories must fuel change.
🧠 The Shooter and the Investigation
The shooter, Robin Westman, fired more than 100 rounds from outside the church, using a rifle, shotgun, and pistol. The FBI is investigating the attack as a hate crime and an act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics. In , disturbing details emerged about Westman’s online manifesto and history of extremist views.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the shooter a “coward” in , stating, “The sheer cruelty and cowardice of firing into a church full of children is absolutely incomprehensible.”
🏥 Survivors and the Road to Recovery
Among the 18 injured were 15 children between the ages of 6 and 15, and three elderly parishioners. In , hospital officials confirmed that most victims are expected to survive, though some face long recoveries.
One father, whose daughter survived the shooting, described the emotional reunion in . “I didn’t know if I’d ever see her again,” he said, tears streaming down his face. “When she ran into my arms, I just collapsed.”
🕊️ A Community Comes Together
In , the community gathered for a vigil, lighting candles and praying for the victims. Teachers, parents, and clergy spoke about the strength of the children, many of whom helped each other hide and escape during the chaos.
The school’s principal, Matt DeBoer, said, “We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care. Never again can we let this happen.”
💬 A Father’s Final Plea
Jesse Merkel’s words continue to echo: “Moving forward, we ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy.” In a time of unimaginable grief, he chose to speak not only for his son but for every child affected by gun violence.
His message, captured in , is a reminder that behind every headline is a family shattered, a future stolen, and a community forever changed.
🧭 Final Reflections: Turning Grief Into Action
The tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life and the urgency of change. Fletcher and Harper were not just victims—they were children with dreams, laughter, and love. Their families have shown extraordinary courage in speaking out, turning personal grief into a public call for empathy, healing, and reform.
As we mourn, we must also act. We must honor their memory not with silence, but with solutions. Because no child should ever die in a place of worship. No parent should ever have to speak the words Jesse Merkel did. And no community should ever have to endure this kind of pain again.
