The two children killed in Wednesday’s tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis have been identified by their families as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

Speaking outside the school on Thursday, Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, expressed his grief.

“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,” Mr Merkel said.

He described his son as a boy who loved “his family, friends, fishing, cooking and sports.”

“While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing,” he added.

Family spokespers

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