Heartbreaking news has surfaced from Minneapolis where two young lives were tragically cut short in a school shooting. Harper Moyski, aged 10, and Fletcher Merkel, just eight years old, have been named as the victims of this devastating attack at Annunciation Catholic School.
Their families have painted a touching picture of their children. Fletcher, a lively child with an insatiable love for sports, fishing, and cooking, was mourned deeply by his father, Jesse Merkel, who pleaded for people to remember his son for the joy he brought, not the tragedy he succumbed to. He expressed the indescribable pain of never being able to see his little boy grow up.
Harper’s family shared the void left by their “bright and joyful” daughter. As a cherished big sister, Harper was adored, and her loss has shattered her family. Her parents hope that Harper’s memory will inspire leaders to take significant actions against gun violence and address mental health issues.
The attacker has been identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at the school. In a terrifying act of violence, 116 rifle rounds were fired during Mass. Authorities revealed Westman harboured a disturbing obsession with mass murders and expressed hate towards numerous groups, leaving behind a trail of distressing writings.
Despite the countless pieces of evidence gathered, including writings from the suspect, no clear motive has been established for this unimaginable tragedy. The attack has left a community in mourning, grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act.
Join us in sending love and support to the families affected and in seeking solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future. 💔