An eight-year-old boy, Fletcher Merkel, and a 10-year-old girl, Harper Moyski, were killed during a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic school church in Minneapolis. A 23-year-old former student carried out the attack and then died by suicide, according to police. Seventeen people were injured, including 14 children. Fletcher loved family, friends, fishing, cooking, and sports, and his parents said the loss leaves an unfillable hole though they hope for healing. Harper's parents described her as bright, joyful, and deeply loved and said their family is shattered. Harper's parents urged leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis.
Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us, Jesse Merkel said outside the school on Thursday, of the attack that police say was perpetrated by a 23-year-old former student who then killed themself after the shooting. 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.
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, Harper's parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement to ABC Minneapolis station KSTP. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain. Harper's parents added that no other family should have to endure what they have.
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