Victims of Minneapolis Catholic school shooting identified

Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were the victims killed in a Wednesday morning shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minn., their families confirmed on Thursday. The children died in the pews where they sat, according to Minneapolis Police Department Chief Brian O’Hara. Eighteen others, including 15 children, were wounded when the shooter opened fire through the church’s windows during a Catholic Mass.

Who was Fletcher Merkel? Merkel’s father, Jesse, on Thursday said Fletcher loved his family and friends, as well as fishing, cooking, and sports. Jesse offered prayers that his own family, the Moyski family, and everyone affected would eventually find healing. Jesse was thankful for the heroic actions of people inside the church who saved many lives, he said. He asked people to remember Fletcher for who he was, not how he died, according to a video of the statement from The National Desk.

Who was Harper Moyski? Moyski’s parents said their daughter was joyful and kind, in a statement provided to local news. Their hearts were broken, and Harper’s little sister was grieving an unimaginable loss, they said. They urged leaders and communities to take action against gun violence and a mental health crisis.

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s liveblog reports as news of the shooting unfolded.