Authorities identified the two young students who died Wednesday in the Annunciation Catholic School shooting. The families of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski said they were killed in the massacre.
The gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, also wounded 17 others while the students were in the middle of praying during mass.
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“We know we have a total of 19 victims from this tragedy. Two were young children, ages eight and 10, that were sitting in the pews at mass when they were shot and killed. They were pronounced deceased on the scene,” Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said, adding that Robin Westman died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Victim family statement
On Thursday, Merkel’s father issued a public statement, which said in part:
“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,” Jesse Merkel said.
“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,” he added.
Moyski’s parents released a statement confirming their daughter was the second victim.
“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” the statement, obtained by KSTP, read in part.
Shooter’s mental health struggles revealed in manifesto
Robin Westman, who identified as a woman, petitioned the court to change names from Robert in 2020, ABC News reported. The petition was signed by Robin Westman’s mother.
Videos posted to a YouTube account under the name Robin Westman appeared to be scheduled to post during the time of the school shooting. KSTP News in Minneapolis reported that the videos show guns, ammunition and a four-page handwritten manifesto, which is believed to have been addressed to Robin Westman’s family and friends.
“To my mother and father,” part of the letter read on the first page. “I am sorry I didn’t turn out as you had hoped. You did not fail me, you gave me so much. I truly appreciate the love you have given me, I feel I was raised to be a good person. I’ve kept those traits of empathy, self-sacrifice and good character. Please do not think you have failed as parents.”
“I was corrupted by this world,” the letter continued. “And have learned to hate what life is.”
“I have wanted this for so long. I am not well. I am not right. I am a sad person, haunted by these thoughts that do not go away,” a section of the second page read. “I know this is wrong, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I am severely depressed and have been suicidal for years. Only recently have I lost all hope and decided to perform my final action against this world.”
On the third page, the author of the letter also mentions pain.
“I did this to myself as I cannot control myself and have been destroying my body through vaping and other means. I think I have lung cancer,” the letter said. “I have felt many pains that make me think I am past the point of recovery.”
The letter ends with, “Pray for the victims and their families.”
Authorities investigate potential anti-Catholic hate motive
Authorities said Thursday they have been in conversations with Robin Westman’s family members in an attempt to understand a possible motive behind the mass shooting. FBI investigators were searching for Robin Westman’s mother, Mary Grace Westman, who is believed to live in Florida, not Minnesota. She reportedly hired a criminal defense attorney, according to NBC News. Investigators confirmed they have spoken with her but would not elaborate further.
Authorities have stated that Robin Westman was a former student of the school, while Mary Grace Westman was previously employed there.
Vice President JD Vance spoke to a crowd Thursday night in La Crosse, Wisconsin, saying America has a mental health crisis and that it’s time to start asking questions about the “root causes” of mass shootings.
RFK Jr. announces study on antidepressants and violent behavior
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the National Institutes of Health is starting to conduct studies into potential links between antidepressants, also known as SSRIs and violent behavior.
Mental health advocates denounced RFK Jr.’s announcement, explaining that SSRIs can be life-saving. It remains unclear whether Robin Westman was taking antidepressants or any other medication at the time of the shooting.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and a potential anti-Catholic hate crime.
