Tragic School Shooting Claims Young Lives in Minneapolis

On August 28, 2025, the Minneapolis community experienced an unimaginable tragedy when a mass shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School. The second young victim has been named as 10-year-old Harper Moyski. Her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, expressed their deep sorrow, describing her as a “bright, joyful, and deeply loved” child whose laughter and kindness resonated with everyone around her.

“Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper’s sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” they shared in a heartfelt statement.

In light of their grief, the bereaved parents called on leaders and community members to take decisive action against gun violence and mental health issues. “While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing,” they noted, “it is crucial that her memory propels us to make a change. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain.”

During the 8:15 a.m. Mass on that fateful Wednesday, two children lost their lives. The shooter, a transgender woman, took her own life after opening fire on the school, injuring 19 others in the process.

In addition to Harper, an 8-year-old boy named Fletcher Merkel was identified as another victim. Reports indicate that among the wounded, 15 were children aged between 6 and 15, while three adults in their 80s were also harmed during the incident at the church.

The devastating event has left the community grappling with questions around safety and prevention, and many are now advocating for significant changes to ensure that such tragedies do not continue to unfold.