Two young lives stolen, a community shattered. Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski have been identified as the innocent victims of the Minneapolis school shooting carried out by 17-year-old Robin Westman. As vigils grow and heartbreak spreads, Fletcher’s father broke down in fury, condemning the “coward” who tore their families apart. The tragedy has left parents terrified, students grieving, and an entire city demanding answers to a senseless act of violence.

Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski identified as fatal victims of Minneapolis school shooter Robin Westman as devastated father slams ‘coward’ killer

The victims of Wednesday’s deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school have been identified as eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

The two children were attending mass at the Annunciation Catholic Church when transgender shooter Robin Westman, 23, opened fire.

‘Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,’ his grieving father, Jesse, said at a news conference.

‘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.’

Merkel’s grieving father also asked the public to remember his little boy ‘for the person he was and not the act that ended his life’ as he urged parents to ‘give your kids an extra hug and kiss today.’

‘We love you Fletcher, you will always be with us,’ he concluded.

Moyski’s parents also announced on Thursday that she was killed in the shooting, describing their daughter as a ‘bright, joyful and deeply-loved 10 year old whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

‘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 continued, noting that they are ‘shattered and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.’

Meanwhile, Westman’s mother is said to be ‘completely distraught’ over the shooting.

She has now sought legal counsel out of an abundance of caution.

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Second victim identified as Harper Moyski

The other victim who died in Wednesday’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church has been identified by her parents as 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

‘We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting,’ Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin said in a statement.

They described their daughter as a ‘bright, joyful and deeply-loved 10 year old whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

‘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 continued, noting that they are ‘shattered and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.’

The grieving parents then called for action on gun control, saying they ‘believe it is important that [Harper’s] memory fuels action.

‘We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country,’ they said.

‘Change is possible and it is necessary – so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.’

Moyski and Flavin also said they are ‘deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.

‘Harper’s light will always shine though us and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.’

Eight year old victim identified

The eight-year-old who was killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting was identified by his parents as Fletcher Merkel.

‘Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,’ his grieving father Jesse said at a news conference.

‘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.’

Jesse then asked the public ‘for sympathy and not your empathy as our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence.’

‘Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life,’ he continued, as he urged parents to ‘give your kids an extra hug and kiss today.’

‘We love you Fletcher, you will always be with us,’ Jesse concluded.