Heartbreak and Resolve: Minneapolis Community Responds to Shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church
Something about that morning at Annunciation Catholic Church felt off, according to multiple parents who later recounted the day’s events. What began as a routine school Mass quickly descended into chaos, leaving families in shock and a community grappling with incomprehensible loss.
The question now haunting Minneapolis: how did a heavily armed former student approach the church undetected? Could warning signs have been missed? And most urgently, could this tragedy have been prevented?
As authorities work to understand what happened, the grief-stricken families of Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, are channeling their pain into a plea for action, determined to ensure that one violent act does not define the lives of their children.
Lives Taken Too Soon
Fletcher and Harper were among the most innocent victims of the shooting. Both children were steps away from their classrooms when 23-year-old former student Robin Westman opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows. In an instant, the sanctuary became a scene of terror and bloodshed.
Jesse Merkel, Fletcher’s father, spoke publicly about his son’s life and the tragedy of his death:
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us. Because of their actions, we will never again hold him, talk to him, play with him, or watch him grow into the amazing young man he was becoming.”
He described Fletcher as a joyful child, happiest fishing or helping in the kitchen, bright and deeply loved. He encouraged parents to remember Fletcher for who he was, not the tragedy, urging them to hold their own children a little tighter that day.
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, shared their grief over the loss of their daughter, whose laughter, kindness, and spirit had touched everyone who knew her. They expressed the profound pain felt by Harper’s younger sister, now facing the world without her sister’s guidance and companionship:
“Our hearts are broken, not only as parents but for Harper’s sister. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”
They implored that Harper’s memory be a catalyst for change:
“No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We call on our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible — and necessary — so that Harper’s story doesn’t become just another tragedy.”
The Shooting and Immediate Response
Authorities identified the shooter as Robin Westman, 23, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Police recovered a rifle, shotgun, and pistol at the scene, along with over 100 spent rifle rounds. Investigators are reviewing a four-page handwritten note, along with deleted online posts, in an effort to understand Westman’s motives. The writings reportedly expressed remorse to family, deep personal anguish, and an intent to carry out a final act.
Inside the church, students and staff were thrust into panic. Fifth-grader Weston Halse recalled diving under a pew as bullets shattered the windows:
“My friend Victor saved me because he laid on top of me — but he got hit.”
The children were later guided to the gym and secured until authorities deemed the area safe. Parents arriving on the scene were confronted with a mix of fear and relief. Carla Maldonado recounted finding her 7-year-old daughter in the parking lot and learning that her 11-year-old son had hidden in the basement:
“I am just incredibly grateful this school was prepared,” she said. “But also incredibly sad and angry that this has to be a reality in any school.”
Injuries, Heroes, and Survival
Of the 18 people injured, 15 were children. Hospital officials report that all are expected to survive, thanks to the quick thinking of teachers, staff, and even fellow students. Jesse Merkel praised those who acted swiftly, noting that their rapid response “prevented a tragedy of many magnitudes more.”
The heroism displayed in the midst of terror reflects a broader truth: even in moments of unimaginable danger, courage and presence of mind can save lives. The acts of students protecting each other, and staff guiding children to safety, will not be forgotten.
National Response and Community Mourning
From Washington, the President offered prayers for the victims and ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff through August 31. In Minneapolis, vigils have filled church steps and public parks, bringing the community together to grieve, comfort one another, and demand accountability.
Fletcher’s and Harper’s families are asking that the public remember the children not for the violence that ended their lives but for who they were — their laughter, their kindness, and their everyday joys. Beyond remembrance, they are demanding action: meaningful measures to prevent future tragedies and address gun violence and mental health crises.
Voices of the Community
Students who witnessed the attack continue to process the trauma. Fifth-grader Weston Halse’s story of survival illustrates both courage and vulnerability, highlighting the resilience of children in the face of terror. Parents’ accounts reveal relief that safety measures were in place, but also frustration that such measures are necessary at all.
The broader community has responded with grief, solidarity, and activism. Schools are reviewing safety protocols, local leaders are discussing preventative legislation, and neighbors are banding together to support families affected. The message is clear: mourning must be paired with prevention.
Conclusion: From Grief to Action
The message from Fletcher’s and Harper’s families is unwavering: remembrance alone is not enough. Their children’s names must serve as a rallying cry for action, inspiring communities and leaders to prevent future tragedies.
Though Fletcher and Harper’s lives were tragically cut short, their memory is catalyzing change. Minneapolis is vowing to protect the innocence of every child who still walks through school doors. While these children’s futures were stolen, their voices — and the call for action in their names — will not be silenced.