Families of Victims Speak Out, Lawmakers Renew Calls for Reform After Minneapolis School Shooting

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - On August 29, 2025, the grieving families of two children killed in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School publicly identified their loved ones and renewed urgent appeals for gun-control measures.

Ten-year-old Harper Moyski and eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel were among the twenty victims struck when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through the church’s stained-glass windows during a morning Mass on August 27. Harper’s parents described her as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her” and urged leaders to enact meaningful steps to address gun violence.

Fletcher’s father remembered his son’s warmth and potential, telling reporters, “Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You’ll always be with us”.

By Friday afternoon, a GoFundMe campaign for Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old who remains in critical condition after undergoing emergency surgery, had raised nearly $350,000. The campaign for Victor, a boy who was shot while shielding his friend, exceeded $34,000 of its $50,000 goal.

In the state capitol, Minnesota lawmakers intensified their calls for action. Representative Ilhan Omar and State Senator Zaynab Mohamed urged the passage of restrictions on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed these demands, advocating for both state and federal legislation to curb access to military-style firearms.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting as a domestic-terrorism hate crime targeting Catholics. The FBI has recovered a manifesto and hundreds of pages of writings demonstrating the shooter’s “deranged fascination” with mass violence and expressions of hate toward multiple groups. Robin Westman died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.

As Minneapolis mourns, vigils and memorials persist at the 54th and Lyndale location of the church, with community members laying flowers and messages of solidarity. City officials opened a text-to-donate line (“ACF1” to 41444) to support victims’ families and established an Annunciation Hope and Healing Fund to aid long-term recovery efforts.

Despite the tragedy, survivors and witnesses have shared accounts of bravery and solidarity. Fifth-grader Weston Halsne recounted how his friend Victor shielded him from the gunfire: “He lay on top of me to protect me… he got hit, but I think he’ll be okay”.

As investigations proceed, leaders on all levels face growing pressure to translate public grief into policies aimed at preventing future bloodshed.