Tragic Loss in Minneapolis: Father Identifies 8-Year-Old Son Killed in School Shooting as Fletcher Merkel

It’s heartbreaking to hear about what happened in Minneapolis just a couple of days ago. On August 27, 2025, during a morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, a senseless act of violence claimed the lives of two young kids and left many others hurt. One of those children, an 8-year-old boy named Fletcher Merkel, was identified by his dad, Jesse Merkel, in a statement shared with CNN.

Jesse’s words really hit hard: “Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us,” he said. “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.”

He went on to talk about what made Fletcher so special – the kid loved hanging out with his family and friends, going fishing, whipping up something in the kitchen, and jumping into any sport he could. Jesse wrapped up by saying he hopes their family can somehow find a way to heal over time.

The shooting broke out while everyone was gathered for the school Mass. Besides Fletcher, a 10-year-old whose name hasn’t been released yet also lost their life. Eighteen others were wounded – most of them students, but a few elderly parishioners in their 80s got caught in it too. At first, officials thought it was 17 injured, but they later found out about one more kid who was hurt. The good news, if you can call it that, is that everyone who’s injured is expected to pull through.

From what we’ve learned, the gunfire started from outside the sanctuary. Someone had jammed the doors with two-by-fours beforehand, which makes the whole thing feel even more planned and chilling. The person responsible was 23-year-old Robin Westman, who used to go to Annunciation as a student. Sadly, Westman took their own life in the school parking lot right after the attack. Investigators found a manifesto and some online stuff posted around the same time that seems connected. Oh, and Westman’s mom had worked at the school before.

Inside, teachers and students stepped up in a big way – shielding each other, getting people to safety. Officials are saying those quick actions probably saved a lot more lives. The community didn’t waste any time coming together; that same evening, folks gathered at Lynnhurst Park for a candlelight vigil to remember the victims and support the survivors.

Another vigil happened elsewhere too, and people were just in shock. One woman, Kaliee Poling, who went to the school as a kid and is now a parent herself, told CNN, “You don’t think it’s going to happen in your community. And now, being a parent, I just can’t imagine what those kids went through that morning.”

City leaders have been speaking out, grieving for the families, thanking the first responders and school staff for their bravery, and reminding everyone that the investigation is still going strong. As the families start this tough road to recovery, it’s a stark reminder of how gun violence can shatter lives in an instant. Our thoughts are with them all.