1. A Father’s Pain

Minneapolis is in mourning after a school shooting at Annunciation Catholic School on August 27, 2025, killed two children and injured many others .

The father of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel spoke publicly for the first time, saying, “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.”

2. Remembering Fletcher

Jesse Merkel described Fletcher as someone who loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and “any sport that he was allowed to play.

He urged the public to “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life.”

3. Community Response

The Minneapolis community responded with solidarity—

organizing vigils, leaving flowers and candles, and offering counseling services to help families heal

4. A Call for Change

The tragedy reignited calls for action.

Harper Moyski’s parents, whose 10‑year‑old daughter also died in the shooting, said,

“No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” and urged leaders to act on gun violence and mental health.