A shooter fires at Minneapolis church, killing two children and hurting 17 people
The shooter fired during mass at an Announcement Church in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring 17 people.
Describing “an unimaginable loss,” the family recalls the murdered child the day after the attackers fired from the window of a Minneapolis Catholic School church, dived into the back of their feet.
Fletcher Merkel’s father, Jesse Merkel, 8, called the suspected shooter the “co-sick man” who took the life of his son.
“Remember Fletcher for the sake of who he is, not for the act that ended his life,” Jesse Merkel said. “Give your child an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You will always be with us.”
The fatal shooting occurred before 8:30am local time on August 27 at a Catholic Catholic School, a private elementary school in Minneapolis with around 395 students. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, the shooter approached the outside of the church building and fired inwards at the children sitting at Pues.
The two children killed in the shooting were 8 and 10 years old. Authorities say 18 other people, 15 of them, 15 of them, and six students in the ’80s, were shot. All injured people were expected to recover, but some families say they have a long way to go to recover from serious bullet wounds.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims who were shot in the attack, but family and friends have begun identifying loved ones.
“As a community, we are responsible for ensuring that no children, parents, teachers need to experience what they have experienced today,” Headmaster Matt DeBoer said at an August 27 press conference. “I lost two angels today.
Fletcher Merkel
At a press conference outside the Catholic Catholic school, Jesse Merkel recalled her son Fletcher as a very loving child who enjoyed friends, fishing, cooking and “the sport he was allowed to play.”
The murderer’s violent actions caused great losses to Fletcher’s family, Jesse Merkel said. “We will never be allowed to hug him, talk to him, play with him, see him grow into a wonderful young man on the path he is going to become,” he added.
Fletcher was the second youngest of the four children, family spokesman Blois Olson told NBC News. According to NBC News and ABC11, two brothers, who were not injured in the shooting, were attending Mass together on August 27th.
“The holes in our hearts and lives will never be filled, but we hope that in the future our family will find healing,” Jesse Merkel added. He also shared prayers of healing, recovery and strength for other victims and their families.
“In the past days I’ve heard many stories from within the church explaining the swift and heroic behavior of children and adults. Without these people and their selfless behavior, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes. For these people, I am grateful,” he said.
In his final remarks, Jesse Merkel asked the public about his family and school community sadness and sympathy for “trying to understand such meaningless acts of violence.”
Harper Moisky
The second victim killed in the shooting was identified as 10-year-old Harper Moysky, according to a joint statement shared with the press on behalf of his family.
They read the statements of Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, according to CBS News and KSTP-TV. “Harper was a bright, fun, deeply loved 10-year-old, and her laughter, kindness and spirit were touched by everyone who knew her.”
Harper’s family said their hearts are “broken not only as parents, but also Harper’s sister, who worships her sister and grieves her unimaginable loss.” They added that they are grieving for those who are mourning and those who are injured in the attack.
The family pointed out that while they focused on healing with their daughter, they believed that “it is important for her memory to promote behavior.”
“There should never be a family member who has to endure this type of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to deal with the country’s gun violence and mental health crisis,” the statement said. “Changes are possible and necessary. So Harper’s story won’t be yet another with a long line of tragedy.”
“We are deeply grateful for the pouring of love, prayer and support,” the statement continued. “Harper’s light always shines through us. I hope that her memories inspire others to work towards a safer and more caring world.”
Sofia Fortias
According to GoFundMe, which was organized for her family, Sofia Fortias was injured in a shooting and remained in danger after undergoing emergency surgery. The 12-year-old was said to be “full of young girls who are cheerful, kind and fighting for life.”
“The path ahead of her is long, uncertain and incredibly difficult, but she is strong and she is not alone,” says the GoFundme page.
Sofia’s younger brother was also at school during the shooting, but according to the page, he was unharmed. The mother, a pediatric emergency nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center, worked to help the injured victim before she learned that her daughter was seriously injured.
Father Timothy Sass of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis also issued a statement confirming Sofia was injured in the shooting. According to SAS, the Forchas family, along with several students from the Catholic Announcement School, is a parishioner of the church.
“Among the 20 shooting victims were (a) the incredible seventh grader Sofia Forsha,” SAS said in a statement. “Sophia was born and raised in our Parish of St. Mary and was immersed in church life with several generations of large families who are dedicated members of our congregation.”
Change gunter
Endre Gunter was shot twice, according to aunt Natalie Davis, who organized the Gofundme page to help the 13-year-old medical bills.
“It is impossible to understand this act of violence against a child in a place that should have been a sanctuary of peace and security,” Davis wrote on the page. “Faced with unimaginable fear and pain, Endre has demonstrated strength and faith beyond his age.”
Before Endre had the surgery, Davis said he asked the doctor to pray with him. The doctor later told the family that Endre survived the surgery and “fought through the horrifying events with the courage that affected the entire medical team.”
“That prayer moment, and Endre’s resilience, will remain with our family forever,” his aunt said. “Now he is recovering from surgery in the hospital and is surrounded by his loved ones and the best medical team possible. The road ahead is a long way to be grateful that he is still with us.”
David Hegg
David Haeg, a young student at Annunciation Catholic School, was “tragically injured” during the shooting on August 27, according to GoFundMe, which was organized on behalf of his family.
“Our school community is heartbroken as we gather around David Haeg, one of our own,” Page said. “He has a long path to recovery, but he shows incredible strength and resilience.”
The fundraiser will support David’s medical expenses. “His parents can focus entirely on being around him and help him heal.” According to the GoFundMe page, he is expected to remain in the pediatric intensive care unit for at least five days after undergoing surgery.
The fundraiser asked the public and the community to pray for David and his family.
Contributions: Charles Ventura, USA Today
