A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, left two children dead and 18 others injured, including 15 children. The incident occurred during a Mass, where terrified students and parishioners took cover as the suspect opened fire with dozens of rounds, shattering stained-glass windows. The suspect, identified as Vincent Westman, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the back of the church. The shooter was armed with three firearms, according to authorities, and the motive remains under investigation.
Among the victims, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, son of Jesse Merkel, was tragically killed. His father described the suspect as a ‘coward’ who took the life of his son, emphasizing the irreparable loss his family will suffer. ‘Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play,’ Merkel said. ‘While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing.’
The second child, Harper Moyski, 10, was also killed, leaving her family devastated. Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, shared that Harper was a ‘bright, joyful and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her.’
In addition to the two young victims, 18 others were injured, including 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who is in critical condition after surgery. A 13-year-old boy, Endre Gunter, was shot in the stomach and is recovering from surgery. The Gunters, who have set up a GoFundMe page for Endre, expressed their grief over the tragedy, noting that their son shared with them that an MPD officer ‘really helped him.’ The officer provided aid, reassurance, and emotional support before getting him into the ambulance.
A GoFundMe page was also established for Sophia, who remains in critical condition. Her mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, was at work when she discovered her daughter was among the injured. The post noted that Sophia’s younger brother was inside the school during the shooting but was not physically injured.
During a news conference, acting U.S. Attorney for Minnesota, Joe Thompson, stated that the shooter was obsessed with the idea of killing children. ‘The shooter saw the attack as a way to target our most vulnerable among us,’ Thompson said. ‘While they were at their most vulnerable at school and at church.’ Thompson emphasized that the suspect’s writings showed a clear intent to harm children, though the exact motive remains unknown.
The shooting has sparked renewed calls for stricter gun control measures, with families and community members urging legislative action. Vincent Francoual, whose 11-year-old daughter, Chloe, was inside the church during the attack, emphasized the need for banning assault-style rifles. ‘The solution is no gun where you can shoot 12 rounds by the second,’ he said. ‘Those guys who get this M16, that’s not for protection, you’re going for war here.’
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, stating that the victims were ‘literally praying’ and that the incident occurred ‘during the first week of school.’ ‘They should be learning with their friends. They should be playing in the playground. They should be able to go to school or church in peace without fear,’ Frey said.
In a national response, President Donald Trump ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff until August 31, 2025, in memory of the victims. ‘As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence,’ Trump said, ‘I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff until sunset, August 31, 2025.’
The tragedy comes amid a surge of active shooter hoaxes and threats targeting U.S. college campuses in recent days, underscoring growing concerns over school and community safety. The Annunciation Catholic School Community has been left in mourning, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss and the senseless violence that unfolded during what should have been a peaceful, devotional gathering.