Grieving father calls Minneapolis sh*oter a ‘coward’ who took life of his 8-year-old son Fletcher during Mass

The city of Minneapolis is reeling after a devastating shooting during a Catholic Mass left two children d*ad and several others injured. In the aftermath, grieving parents, survivors, and community leaders have spoken out, with one father calling the shooter a “coward” who tore his young son away from the family’s future.

A Father’s Heartbreaking Words
Jesse Merkel, father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, shared a gut-wrenching

“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us,” Merkel said. “Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, or watch him grow into the wonderful you

Merkel expressed hope that, in time, his family could find healing and extended prayers to the family of the other child k*lled in the attack.

Video: Father of child who was k*lled in Annunciation shooting speaks

Remembering Harper Moyski
Alongside Fletcher, 10-year-old Harper Moyski also lost her life in the tragedy. Her family described her as a joyful, kind, and deeply loved child whose laughter and spirit left a mark on everyone she met.

“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper, was tragically k*lled,” her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement. “Her laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.”

Dozens Injured, Families Traumatized
Beyond the two young lives lost, 18 others were wounded in the attack, including 15 children. Among the injured was 13-year-old Endre Gunter, who was shot in the stomach and rushed into surgery. His parents later shared how an officer stayed with him, prayed with him, and helped save his life before paramedics arrived.

Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas also remains in critical condition after surgery. Her family, supported by their local church, has asked for prayers and shared updates about her fight to recover.

These stories paint a picture of survival amid horror, with families facing both the physical and emotional scars of the attack.

Federal Authorities: Children Were the Target


Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson revealed chilling details about the shooter’s motives. Hundreds of pages of writings indicated an obsession with harming children. “The shooter wanted nothing more than to k*ll children,” Thompson said. “The attack was planned to target our most vulnerable—while they were at school and at church.”

At around 8:30 a.m., the suspect fired dozens of rounds into the sanctuary. Stained-glass windows shattered as terrified children and parishioners ducked under pews. Authorities have not yet released a clear motive beyond the writings but emphasized the brutality and premeditation of the act.

Community in Mourning
The Annunciation Church community, tightly knit despite its urban setting, has been shaken to its core. Parents described children experiencing survivor’s guilt and fear of returning to the church.

Vincent Francoual, whose daughter Chloe was inside during the attack, shared her words: “She thought she was going to d*e yesterday.” He added that while she survived, the trauma will linger, and the community will never be the same.

Crosses, flowers, and mementos now line the church steps, forming a makeshift memorial for Fletcher, Harper, and the others harmed.

Calls for Change
In the wake of the attack, parents and community members voiced frustration over the availability of assault-style weapons. “The solution is no gun where you can shoot 12 rounds by the second,” Francoual said. “Those weapons are for war, not for protection.”

Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence, calling the attack “a nightmare” and stressing that children deserve to pray, learn, and play without fear.

National and Global Response


President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. flags to fly at half-staff until August 31, 2025, honoring the victims. He described the tragedy as “senseless acts of violence” that demand national mourning.

From the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV also sent his condolences, blessing the Annunciation Catholic School community and praying for peace and fortitude in the days ahead.

Conclusion: A City Forever Changed
The Minneapolis church shooting is more than another tragic headline—it’s a wound in the heart of a community and a stark reminder of life’s fragility. Families like the Merkels and the Moysks will never be the same, forced to carry the weight of futures stolen too soon.

As Minneapolis grieves, it also rallies—through prayers, vigils, and calls for change. In the words of Jesse Merkel, the hole in their hearts will never be filled. But the strength of love, community, and remembrance offers the only path forward.

In moments like these, a city mourns together—and vows never to forget the children whose lives were cut short in a place that should have been safe.

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