The two children killed in the tragic Annunciation Catholic School shooting Wednesday have been identified by family as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
“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,” Jesse Merkel, Fletcher's father, said at a news conference outside the school Thursday.
He said his son loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and sports.
“While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing,” Merkel said.
Fletcher was the second youngest of four children in his family, according to family spokesperson Blois Olson. He and his two older siblings were attending Wednesday’s Mass, and the other two who were there were not injured in the shooting.
Harper was also identified Thursday by her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, who remembered her as a joyful child.
“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” they said in a statement.
“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,” it continued. “Harper’s light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.”
Both families shared messages of grief for the Annunciation community and gratefulness for first responders and staff.
“Over the past day, I’ve heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike, from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I am thankful,” Merkel said. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.”
He closed out his brief remarks by saying: “Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.”
Moyski’s parents also shared a message demanding action to address gun violence.
“We also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” their statement said. “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.”
Fifteen other children, ages 6 to 15, were injured in the shooting, as well as three adult parishioners.
Two of the victims were in critical condition as of Thursday morning, a hospital official said.
The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
Joseph Thompson, acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, said Thursday that the suspect “idolized some of the most notorious school shooters and mass murderers in our country’s history.”
“More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children,” Thompson said. “The shooter was obsessed with the idea of killing children. Defenseless children.”
Authorities have said the shooter had three legally purchased firearms, a shotgun, a rifle and a pistol. More than 100 rifle rounds were recovered at the scene, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara.
Authorities also found three shotgun rounds and one live bullet that was trapped in a handgun after it appeared to have jammed, O’Hara said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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