The families of two children killed in the Annunciation Catholic School shooting are speaking out in the wake of their tragic loss. Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were shot when a gunman opened fire through the church windows during a school Mass in Minneapolis on Wednesday morning. Their families confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday.

Fletcher was described as an adventurous boy who loved fishing and cooking. His father, Jesse Merkel, expressed his grief in a powerful statement outside the school. "Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us. 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," he said. Jesse recalled Fletcher's joy for life, saying he was happiest with a fishing pole in one hand and cooking utensils in the other.

Harper was remembered by her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, as a bright and joyful girl whose laughter touched everyone around her. They shared their heartbreak, especially for Harper's younger sister, who now faces the loss of her beloved sibling. "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," they stated.

The shooting left a total of 18 people injured, including 15 children. Fortunately, all are expected to survive, thanks to the quick actions of staff and students during the chaos. Jesse Merkel praised the bravery of those who acted swiftly, saying, "Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I'm thankful."

In their grief, both families are calling for action to prevent future tragedies. They want Fletcher and Harper's deaths to serve as a catalyst for change in addressing gun violence. Harper's parents urged leaders to take meaningful steps to combat gun violence and the mental health crisis in the country. "No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies," they said.

The shooting occurred during a peaceful student Mass, turning a sacred gathering into a scene of terror. The shooter, identified as Robin Westman, a former student, reportedly fired a rifle, shotgun, and pistol into the church, targeting children in the pews. Authorities have confirmed that Westman is believed to be deceased.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara described the attack, stating, "The shooter fired towards the children sitting in the pews at the Mass." The community is now grappling with the aftermath of this violence, as the memories of Fletcher and Harper linger in the hearts of those who knew them.

As the investigation continues, the families remain focused on honoring their children's memories and advocating for change. Jesse Merkel urged others to remember Fletcher for who he was, not the circumstances of his death. "Give your children an extra hug and kiss today," he said. "Remember Fletcher as the person he was, and not the act that ended his life."

The tragedy has prompted a national conversation about gun violence and school safety, with calls for legislative action growing louder. As Minneapolis mourns, the families of Fletcher and Harper are determined to turn their grief into a movement for change.