Reflecting on the lives of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski and the impact of the shooting

[Ruby Bennett]

I want to start this thread in a respectful way to talk about Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, two young students who were killed in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025. According to official public reporting, Fletcher was 8 years old and Harper was 10 when the shooter opened fire through church windows during a Mass that also involved school students. Authorities later confirmed both children died in the attack, and dozens more were injured in the incident.


News coverage provided statements from their families and community members mourning the loss of Fletcher and Harper. Fletcher’s father spoke about his son’s love of family, fishing, sports, and the everyday joys that an 8-year-old looks forward to, while Harper’s parents described her as bright, joyful, and deeply loved by her family and friends. These personal remembrances help put into context the human impact of the event beyond numbers and headlines.

 

[Thomas Reed]

Reading the statements from Fletcher and Harper’s parents was incredibly moving. One of the things the news reports highlight is how their families chose to speak about their children’s personalities — Fletcher’s enjoyment of fishing and sports and Harper’s joy and kindness — which really brings home that these were kids with hopes and futures ahead. It’s heartbreaking to see public statements that focus on simple human qualities you expect in childhood.

 

[Audrey Walker]

I followed some of the coverage on this shooting, and what struck me was how quickly community members organized vigils and gatherings to support the families and each other. Even though the whole country hears about these events in brief news clips, locally there were candlelight events and prayers that show how shaken and unified people were in the aftermath. The city council’s declaration of a month to honor Harper’s spirit also stood out as a community remembrance.

I want to start this thread in a respectful way to talk about Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, two young students who were killed in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025. According to official public reporting, Fletcher was 8 years old and Harper was 10 when the shooter opened fire through church windows during a Mass that also involved school students. Authorities later confirmed both children died in the attack, and dozens more were injured in the incident.


News coverage provided statements from their families and community members mourning the loss of Fletcher and Harper. Fletcher’s father spoke about his son’s love of family, fishing, sports, and the everyday joys that an 8-year-old looks forward to, while Harper’s parents described her as bright, joyful, and deeply loved by her family and friends. These personal remembrances help put into context the human impact of the event beyond numbers and headlines.

 

[Ruby Bennett]

I followed some of the coverage on this shooting, and what struck me was how quickly community members organized vigils and gatherings to support the families and each other. Even though the whole country hears about these events in brief news clips, locally there were candlelight events and prayers that show how shaken and unified people were in the aftermath. The city council’s declaration of a month to honor Harper’s spirit also stood out as a community remembrance.

I agree — seeing that kind of community outreach and support adds a layer of humanity to what otherwise would be a list of names. The official reports give us the facts of what happened, but the family and community responses help paint a more complete picture of who Fletcher and Harper were.