“A coward took my son”: Father of Minneapolis shooting victim speaks out

It’s often the gunman who dominates the headlines after a school shooting — but it’s the innocent lives lost that truly deserve to be remembered.

This week, two children were tragically killed in the Minneapolis school shooting, and their families are now sharing who they were and the joy they brought to the world.

”Please remember Fletcher”

Two children have been named as the victims of the devastating school shooting in Minneapolis this week. Police say 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski were killed when Robin Westman opened fire outside Annunciation Catholic Church and School on Wednesday.

Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel’s father, Jesse Merkel, has now spoken out for the first time. With tears in his eyes at a press conference, he delivered a powerful and heartbreaking tribute to his little boy.

“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” Merkel said. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.”

Courtesy Merkel family

He shared that Fletcher loved cooking, sports, and fishing, and treasured every moment with his family.

“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,” Merkel said. Calling his son “bright, joyful, and deeply loved,” he added: “Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.”

Harper Moyski

Ten-year-old Harper Moyski was also killed during the attack, shortly after attending the school’s welcome Mass for the new academic year.

Her family issued a deeply moving statement, both honoring Harper’s memory and calling for change. They described her as a vibrant, loving 10-year-old who lit up every room she entered and was treasured by her younger sister.

Courtesy Moysk family

“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,” the statement read, according to NBC News.

The family added that Harper’s death should not be in vain.

“While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain.

18 others wounded

”We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”

The attack on Annunciation Catholic Church left 18 others wounded, including 15 children and three elderly adults. Doctors say at least one of the victims is still fighting for their life in the hospital.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that the suspect, Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Authorities report that the shooter owned three legally purchased guns: a shotgun, a rifle, and a pistol. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara confirmed that over 100 rifle rounds were recovered at the scene.

While no clear motive has been determined, the suspect is believed to have posted a manifesto on Facebook shortly before the attack.

Credits: KHOU11