Harper Moyski, 10, And Fletcher Merkel, 8, Identified As Victims In Annunciation Catholic School Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Officials have identified the two children killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation in south Minneapolis as Harper Lillian Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Alexander Merkel, 8.

Both were students at Annunciation Catholic School.

According to the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Moyski died of gunshot wounds to the head, and Merkel died of gunshot wounds to the torso.

Fletcher’s father remembered his son as a boy who loved "family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport that he was allowed to play." He asked the public to honor Fletcher for the person he was and "not the act that ended his life."

Harper’s family described their daughter as "a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her," KARE 11 reported.

They said Harper’s memory should "fuel action" and urged leaders to take steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis.

"Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies," her family said.

The shooting unfolded during an all-school Mass on Wednesday morning. Police said the gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire from outside the church before dying by suicide.

On Thursday evening, the police released additional details into the investigation:

• Two children were killed, 15 other children ages 6–15 were injured, and three adult parishioners in their 80s were also wounded.
• Investigators recovered 116 rifle casings, three shotgun shell casings, and one live pistol round at the scene.
• Video surveillance confirmed Westman never entered the church, though an attempt was made to barricade a door from the outside.
• The firearms used were purchased legally. Police say Westman acted alone.
• Four search warrants were executed at the church and at residences in South Minneapolis, Richfield, and St. Louis Park. Investigators recovered writings, electronics, and other evidence, but no additional firearms.
• A motive remains unclear, authorities said.

The city also said Minneapolis police have increased patrols at Annunciation, with support from the St. Paul Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, 14 Minnesota State Patrol troopers, and six Department of Natural Resources officers.

Those resources are being deployed in squads across all five Minneapolis precincts, with a focus on schools and places of worship.

Officials noted that the practice of locking church doors after Mass begins likely prevented further casualties.

Mental health resources are being made available for families, and the Minneapolis Foundation has set up a text-to-donate line to support victims. Community members can text ACF1 to 41444 to donate.

Additionally, GoFundMe has launched a centralized hub for all verified fundraisers related to the shooting.

Gov. Tim Walz has ordered U.S. and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state buildings in honor of the victims and their families.

Also read:

'He Saved Me': Fifth Grader Says Friend Shielded Him During Annunciation Catholic Shooting In Minneapolis

Gov. Tim Walz Deploys State Troopers To Protect Minneapolis Schools, Churches