The father of Fletcher Merkel, who tragically lost his life during a mass shooting in Minneapolis, delivered a powerful statement in the wake of the tragedy.
The tragic event unfolded during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows.
Two children, eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, were killed, while 17 others, including 14 children, were injured in the shocking attack.
Fletcher and Harper were sitting in the pews as the violence erupted.
Fletcher’s father, Jessie Merkel, fought through tears as he described the anguish of losing his son, per NBC News.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” he said in a heartfelt statement at a press conference.
Fletcher, who loved his family, fishing, cooking, and sports, was remembered by his father as a child full of life and joy. “While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing,” Merkel added.
The shooting began around 8:20AM, during the first week of the school year, as children and staff gathered in the church for the Mass.
The incident also left 17 others injured, many of them children aged six to 15. Some were initially in critical condition, but all the victims are expected to survive after receiving treatment at local hospitals.
In the midst of such horror, countless acts of bravery were displayed.
Many students and staff members, including those under duress, performed heroic actions that undoubtedly prevented even more casualties.
Some children hid beneath pews for cover, while others dashed to the church's basement for safety.
Some even concealed themselves under other classmates until the gunfire ceased.
"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," Fletcher's father shared, grateful for the individuals who acted with courage amid the chaos.
As the investigation into the motives behind the massacre continues, it has been revealed that Westman, who legally changed their name from Robert three years ago, left behind a manifesto filled with hateful rhetoric and disturbing ideas.
The manifesto also contained early plans for the shooting, including disturbing details on how Westman intended to carry out the attack.
"I am feeling good about Annunciation. It seems like a good combo of easy attack form and devastating tragedy," one entry read, per the New York Post.
"Maybe I could attack an event at the on-site church. I think attacking a large group of kids coming in from recess is my best plan … Then from there I can go inside and kill, going for as long as I can," Westman wrote in another disturbing entry.
The loss of Fletcher and Harper has left their families heartbroken.
In a statement, Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, mourned the loss of their beloved daughter, describing her as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved” child.
"Harper’s light will always shine through us, and we hope her memory inspires others to work toward a safer, more compassionate world," they said.
The Moyski family also expressed their grief over the toll this tragedy has taken on Harper’s younger sister, who now faces life without her sibling.