A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has left two children dead, including eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel. The incident occurred during a church mass on Wednesday morning when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire before taking his own life. In total, 17 individuals were injured, comprising 14 children aged between 6 and 15, and three elderly parishioners in their 80s. Fortunately, all injured are expected to survive.

Fletcher's father, Jessie Merkel, expressed his grief, stating that the actions of the shooter have robbed the family of their beloved son. "We can't hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming," he told NBC News. He described Fletcher as a loving child who enjoyed family, friends, fishing, cooking, and sports. Merkel urged people to remember Fletcher for who he was, rather than the tragedy that ended his life.

The shooter, Robin Westman, was reportedly a former student at the school, and his mother had worked there as a secretary until 2021. Investigators are currently examining disturbing online posts and videos left by Westman, which include violent sentiments and references to previous mass shooters. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, all of which were legally purchased.

Eyewitnesses described the chaos during the shooting, which lasted approximately two minutes. Ellie Mertens, a youth minister present at the time, recounted how staff members instinctively moved children under pews for protection. "The pew saved my life," she said, highlighting the quick actions of the church staff that likely prevented further casualties.

Mayor Jacob Frey praised the heroic efforts of the church staff, stating, "The way that they acted during severe threat and danger was nothing short of heroic." The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. Chief O'Hara noted that at least two doors of the church had been barricaded from the outside, raising questions about the shooter's intentions.

Westman's gender identity has been a point of discussion, with federal officials referring to him as transgender. In 2020, a judge approved a name change petition from Robert to Robin, reflecting Westman's identification. The police have confirmed that Westman acted alone and did not have an extensive criminal history.