'We lost two angels': Families remember children slain, wounded in Minnesota shooting Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY August 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM 'We lost two angels': Families remember children slain, wounded in Minnesota shooting Families describing "unimaginable loss" recalled their slain children Aug.
- - 'We lost two angels': Families remember children slain, wounded in Minnesota shooting
Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY August 28, 2025 at 8:52 PM
'We lost two angels': Families remember children slain, wounded in Minnesota shooting
Families describing "unimaginable loss" recalled their slain children Aug. 28, the day after an attacker fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic school and sent worshipers diving behind pews for cover.
Jesse Merkel, the father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, called the suspected shooter a "coward" who took his son's life.
"Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life," Jesse Merkel said. "Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you Fletcher, you'll always be with us."
The deadly shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School, a private elementary school in Minneapolis with about 395 students, just before 8:30 a.m. local time on Aug. 27 , authorities said. According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, the shooter approached the outside of the church building and fired inside toward the children sitting in pews.
The two children killed in the shooting were 8 and 10 years old. Eighteen other people, 15 of them students ages 6 to 18 and three parishioners in their 80s, were struck by gunfire, authorities said. All the injured were expected to recover, although family members of some say they will have long roads to recovery from serious bullet wounds.
Authorities have not publicly released the names of victims shot in the attack, but families and friends have begun to identify their loved ones.
"We as a community have a responsibility to make sure that no child, no parent, no teacher ever has to experience what we've experienced today ever again," Annunciation School Principal Matt DeBoer said in a news conference on Aug. 27. "We lost two angels today. Please continue to pray for those still receiving care. Never again can we let this happen."
Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/ytjUbkq class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
">Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/ytjUbkq class=caas-img>Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/KyhwdWp class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025.
">Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/KyhwdWp class=caas-img>
Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Ct2naeV class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025.
">Police and first responders work at the scene of a shooting near Annunciation Church and Catholic School in Minneapolis, Minneosta, on August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/Ct2naeV class=caas-img>Officers set up barriers after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/Y68yGzj class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Officers set up barriers after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025.
">Officers set up barriers after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/Y68yGzj class=caas-img>Police and medical teams work the scene after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/R5sEvTi class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Police and medical teams work the scene after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025.
">Police and medical teams work the scene after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/R5sEvTi class=caas-img>A father and daughter walk towards their vehicles after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/NhAPCqF class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
A father and daughter walk towards their vehicles after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
">A father and daughter walk towards their vehicles after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/NhAPCqF class=caas-img>Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/va94qJx class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
">Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/va94qJx class=caas-img>Families and loved ones walk outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/9sItqgC class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Families and loved ones walk outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
">Families and loved ones walk outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/9sItqgC class=caas-img>An officer with the ATF opens his trunk while setting up outside the shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/gDshQ2H class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
An officer with the ATF opens his trunk while setting up outside the shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
">An officer with the ATF opens his trunk while setting up outside the shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/gDshQ2H class=caas-img>Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" data-src=https://ift.tt/8AOjkWR class=caas-img data-headline="Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene." data-caption="
Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
">Families and loved ones reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
" src=https://ift.tt/8AOjkWR class=caas-img>
1 / 12Gunfire erupts at Minneapolis Catholic school. See the scene.
Two children were killed Wednesday and at least 17 people were injured when a gunman fired through the windows of a Minneapolis Catholic church toward young people worshipping at a Mass, authorities said.Families reunite outside the police barricades after a shooting at Annunciation Church, which is also home to a an elementary school, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, August 27, 2025.
Fletcher Merkel, 8
Speaking at a news conference outside the Annunciation Catholic School, Jesse Merkel recalled his son Fletcher as a very loving child who enjoyed friends, fishing, cooking and "any sport that he was allowed to play."
The killer's violent actions have brought tremendous loss to Fletcher's family, Jesse Merkel said. "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," he said.
Fletcher was the second youngest of four children, family spokesperson Blois Olson told NBC News. He and two of his siblings, who were not injured in the shooting, were attending Mass together on Aug. 27, according to NBC News and ABC11.
"While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing," Jesse Merkel added. He also shared prayers of healing, recovery, and strength for the other victims and their families.
"Over the past day, I've heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike, from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I am thankful," he said.
In his closing remarks, Jesse Merkel asked the public for empathy as his family and school community grieve and "try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence."
'We feel the pain': Catholics grieve in wake of deadly attack during Mass in Minneapolis
Harper Moyski, 10
The second victim killed in the shooting was identified as 10-year-old Harper Moyski, according to a joint statement shared to news outlets on her family's behalf.
"We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting," reads the statement from Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, according to CBS News and KSTP-TV. "Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her."
Harper's family said their hearts were broken "not only as parents, but also for Harper's sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss." They added that they were grieving for those who were in mourning and for those wounded in the attack.
The family noted that while they were focusing on their daughter and healing, they believe "it is important that her memory fuels action."
"No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country," the statement reads. "Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper's story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies."
"We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support," the statement continued. "Harper's light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world."
Sophia Forchas, 12
Sophia Forchas was injured in the shooting and remained in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery, according to a GoFundMe organized for the family. The 12-year-old was described as a "bright, kind, and full of life young girl who is now fighting for her life."
"Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone," the GoFundMe page states.
Sophia's younger brother was also at the school during the shooting, but he was unharmed, according to the page. Their mother, a pediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center, had arrived to work on Aug. 27 to help with wounded victims "before knowing it was her children's school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured," the page states.
Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis also released a statement confirming that Sophia was injured in the shooting. Sas said the Forchas family along with several students from Annunciation Catholic School are parishioners at the church.
"Among the 20 shooting victims, was also our wonderful Sophia Forchas, an 12-year-old 7th grader," Sas said in the statement. "Sophia was born and raised in our St. Mary's parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations who are devoted members of our congregation."
'I knew I had to help those kids.' Stories of bravery emerge after Minnesota shooting.
Endre Gunter, 13
Endre Gunter was shot twice while attending Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, according to his aunt, Natalie Davis, who organized a GoFundMe page to help with the 13-year-old's medical bills.
"It's impossible to make sense of this act of violence against children, in a place that should have been a sanctuary of peace and safety," Davis wrote on the page. "In the face of unimaginable fear and pain, Endre showed strength and faith beyond his years."
Before Endre was taken into surgery, Davis said he ask the doctor to pray with him. The doctor later told his family that Endre survived the surgery and "fought through a terrifying event with courage that inspired the entire medical team," according to Davis.
"That moment of prayer, and Endre's resilience, will stay with our family forever," his aunt said. "Right now, he is recovering from surgery at the hospital, surrounded by his loved ones and the best medical team possible. While the road ahead is long, we are beyond grateful he is still with us."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Minneapolis school shooting victims identified: 'An unimaginable loss'
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