Incident Overview
A shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. The incident took place on Wednesday morning during the first week of classes.
Victims and Injuries
The two children killed were identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Alexander Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Lillian Moyski. Their parents shared statements reflecting on their lives and expressing grief. Fletcher's family stated, > "Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us. Because of their actions, 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." Harper's family also remembered her, with her father saying, > "Please remember Harper for the person she was, and not the act that ended her life."
Nine patients remained in medical care as of Thursday, with six in satisfactory condition, two in serious condition, and one in critical condition. One child received a shotgun blast to the back while protecting another student.
Shooter and Motive
The shooter was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, who fired 116 rounds through the stained-glass windows of a church next to Annunciation Catholic School. Authorities reported that Westman's actions appeared to be intended to harm as many children as possible.
Response and Investigation
First responders quickly arrived at the scene within minutes of the shooting. EMS Chief Martin Scheerer praised the teachers, saying, "The teachers were amazing. They were getting shot at. They were protecting the kids." The community came together to mourn the victims, with a news conference held outside Annunciation Catholic Church on Thursday.
Aftermath
The incident has left the community grieving, with families seeking healing and comfort. Witnesses described the terror and courage during the shooting, with one parishioner, Cathrine Spandel, stating that worshippers had just finished a psalm when gunfire erupted, and "It seemed like it went on forever."
Background
The shooting occurred during a sensitive time for the community, with the first week of classes having just begun. The incident has raised questions about safety and security measures in place at schools and churches.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the motive behind Westman's actions.