“A coward took my son”: Minneapolis father speaks after school shooting that killed two children

Two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed in this week’s Minneapolis school shooting. Their grieving families are now remembering who they were, while urging communities to address gun violence and mental health.

Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel was remembered by his father, Jesse Merkel, during an emotional press conference on Thursday. Speaking through tears, he described his son as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved.”

“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” Merkel said. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.”

Fletcher loved cooking, sports, and fishing, and cherished time with his family. His father shared the painful reality of losing him: “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 ended by urging other parents to hold their children close: “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 killed during the attack, shortly after attending her school’s welcome Mass for the new year.

Her family released a statement describing her as a vibrant child who “lit up every room she entered” and was adored by her younger sister.

“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 wrote. “As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”

The Moyski family also called for change, saying Harper’s memory should inspire action:
“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 shooting took place Wednesday outside Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis. Authorities confirmed that 18 others were injured, including 15 children and three elderly adults. At least one victim remains in critical condition.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said the suspect, Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police recovered more than 100 rifle rounds at the scene, along with three legally purchased firearms — a shotgun, a rifle, and a pistol.

Investigators are reviewing a manifesto that the gunman is believed to have posted on Facebook before the attack. No clear motive has yet been determined.

In the wake of the shooting, Harper’s family urged lawmakers and communities to confront gun violence and the nation’s mental health crisis.

“We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country,” they wrote. “Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”