In the aftermath of heartbreaking tragedy, two Minneapolis families are choosing to honor their children by demanding change, determined that one violent act will not define the lives that were stolen. The community, still reeling from the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, is rallying around the families of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Both children were killed when a 23-year-old former student opened fire during a school Mass, shattering stained-glass windows and filling a sacred space with chaos and grief.

A Day That Changed Everything

Fletcher and Harper’s lives were cut short just steps away from their classrooms. Police say the attacker opened fire through the church windows, turning a morning service into a nightmare. Outside the school, Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, described his son with raw pain: “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.”

Fletcher was known for his love of the outdoors, fishing trips, sports, and time spent in the kitchen. His father recalled his son’s boundless energy, laughter, and love for family and friends. Though nothing can fill the hole left in their lives, Jesse said he hopes time will bring healing — not only for his family, but for Harper’s loved ones as well.

Remembering Harper

Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, released a statement describing their daughter as a bright, kind, and deeply loved child whose laughter lit up every room. They shared the devastating impact her loss has had on her younger sister, who adored her big sibling and now must navigate life without her. “As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” they wrote.

Survivors and Heroes

In addition to the two young victims, 18 others were injured in the attack — 15 of them children. Authorities say all are expected to survive thanks to the swift actions of teachers, staff, and even students who responded quickly in the chaos. Jesse publicly thanked those individuals, saying their bravery prevented even greater loss.

From Grief to Action

Both families are determined that Fletcher and Harper’s stories do not fade into yet another grim statistic of America’s gun violence crisis. They are calling on lawmakers, schools, and communities to act, urging real solutions to prevent future tragedies. Harper’s parents pleaded, “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.”

Jesse echoed that call, asking the public to remember Fletcher for who he was, not how he died. He encouraged parents everywhere to give their children “an extra hug and kiss today” in his son’s memory.

As Minneapolis mourns, the images of two children lost in their pews will not soon be forgotten. But their families are determined that their voices — and their children’s spirits — will fuel a push for change.