The families of the two children killed in the Minneapolis school shooting issued their first statements on the tragedy on Thursday.

The big picture: Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were killed when a shooter opened fire Wednesday at Annunciation Catholic School during Mass. Also injured were 18 other worshippers.

What they're saying: "Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us," said Jesse Merkel as he paid tribute to his son in a media statement. • "Because of their actions, we will never be able 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," he added. • "Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. ... Please rem

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