The identities of the two young victims from the tragic shooting at a Minneapolis school have been released.
According to reports, Robin Westman is suspected of firing shots from outside Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The attack resulted in the deaths of two children, aged ten and eight.
The incident also left 18 others injured, including 15 children and three adults in their 80s, as reported by the BBC.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara announced during a press conference on Wednesday that the suspect took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot.
Among the victims is eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel, whose father, Jesse Merkel, has recently spoken about the loss.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” Merkel said during a Thursday press conference. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.”
Merkel shared that his son had a passion for cooking, sports, and fishing, and cherished spending time 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 expressed with emotion.
Describing Fletcher as ‘bright, joyful, and deeply loved’, Merkel added: “Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.”
Ten-year-old Harper Moyski was also a victim, having attended the welcome Mass for the new academic year.
Her family has released a statement honoring her memory and calling for action to combat gun violence in the United States.
“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 family said in their statement.
“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.”
The statement further urged: “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.”