A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis has left two young lives lost and several others injured. Eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and a ten-year-old girl were killed when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during a church mass on Wednesday morning. Westman subsequently took his own life, according to police reports.

The attack injured seventeen individuals, including fourteen children aged between six and fifteen, and three elderly parishioners in their eighties. Fortunately, all injured parties are expected to survive. Fletcher's father, Jessie Merkel, expressed his grief, stating that the actions of the shooter have robbed the family of their ability 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."

Fletcher was described as a loving child who enjoyed fishing, cooking, and sports. His father urged the public to remember Fletcher for who he was, rather than the tragedy that took his life. He also acknowledged the bravery of those who acted swiftly during the shooting, saying, "Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I am thankful."

Investigators are currently looking into disturbing online posts and videos left by Westman, which include violent sentiments and references to previous mass shooters. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that Westman was armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, all of which were legally purchased. He noted that Westman had been a former student at the school and that his mother had worked there as a secretary until 2021.

During the shooting, church staff acted heroically, moving children under pews to protect them from the gunfire. Ellie Mertens, a youth minister present during the incident, recounted the chaos, stating, "I was just feet away from this window where it was. The pew saved my life."

Mayor Jacob Frey praised the quick actions of the church staff, calling their response "nothing short of heroic." The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the motive behind this devastating attack.