Parents of children killed in the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting offer first public statements

The two students killed in the shooting at Annunciation Church Aug. 27 have been identified as Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8. The children’s parents spoke publicly for the first time Thursday, sharing who their children were and about their heartbreak and hopes amid their pain.

Harper Moyski

“Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin said, according to the full statement shared by WDIO, an ABC affiliate. The parents said Harper was beloved. “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.”

“As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” they said. 

They added that they mourn for the Merkel family and those injured in the violence, and are grateful for the staff and emergency responders at the scene. 

“While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action,” they continued. “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain.” 

They called for leaders to address gun violence and the national 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,” they said. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Harper’s light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world.”

They requested that the media and community honor their privacy and said they would give no further statements.

“We need space to grieve,” they said, “to support Harper’s sister, and to hold tightly to one another.” 

Fletcher Merkel

Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, tearfully read his statement standing in front of Annunciation Church. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul broadcast his full statement.

“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” he said. 

Because of the shooter’s actions, he said, “we will never be allowed to hold him, to talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming.”

Fletcher loved to fish, cook, play sports, and loved his family and friends, his father said. 

“While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing,” he continued. “I pray that the other victim’s family can find some semblance of the same.”

Merkel expressed hope that all those injured by the shooting will recover and that everyone, “especially the children impacted by this horrific event, are able to recover mentally and find strength to live loving, happy, and full lives.”

He expressed gratitude for the brave actions of children and adults in the church when the shooting occurred, saying that without “their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more.”

“Moving forward we ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy as our family and the Annunciation Community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence,” he said. “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was, and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you Fletcher. You will always be with us.”

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