Victims of Minneapolis school shooting identified as heartbroken father speaks out
The two children who were tragically killed in the Minneapolis school shooting have been identified.
Robin Westman allegedly opened fire from outside Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on Wednesday, killing a ten-year-old and an eight-year-old child.
A further 18 people have been left injured from the shooting, including 15 children and three adults in their 80s, as per the BBC.
The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said in a press conference on Wednesday.
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Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel is one of those to have died in the tragedy, with his father, Jesse Merkel, speaking out in recent hours.
"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us," Merkel said in a press conference on Thursday. "Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life."
Merkel went on to say that his son loved cooking, sports and fishing, while also enjoying quality time with his family.
"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," Merkel tearfully added.
Describing his young son as 'bright, joyful, and deeply loved', Merkel added: "Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you'll always be with us."
Harper Moyski, 10, was the other child to have died this week after she attended the welcome Mass for the new school year.
Harper's family have issued a statement paying tribute to their daughter and have called for more action to prevent gun crime in the US.
"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," the family statement reads.
"While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain."
The family continued: "We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country.
"Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies."
Callum Jones