The mother of a 10-year-old girl, who lost her life in a mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, described her daughter as a fierce, curious, and funny child who “didn’t water herself down.”
Friends and family gathered at a lakeside amphitheater to honor Harper Moisky’s life. During the gathering, one speaker emphasized the need to focus on creating a less violent society in America.
On August 27, Harper, an 8-year-old named Fletcher Merkel, and another student were tragically killed, while 21 others sustained injuries in the shooting.
Authorities reported that the shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student, fired over 100 rounds from a church window during Mass, wielding a rifle, pistol, and shotgun.
Westman was later found deceased, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot.
Harper’s mother, Jackie Flavin, expressed her gratitude for the support they received, saying it lifted the family during a time when she felt overwhelmed, explaining it was like being “at the bottom of the ocean.”
Flavin shared that Harper, who had a passion for dogs and aspired to be a veterinarian, taught them, “how to be a light in the dark.”
“She had her own perspective, her own sense of style, her own way of being. She didn’t wait for permission. She didn’t water herself down,” Flavin said. “She genuinely showed up just like anyone else.”
Flavin referred to Harper as “extraordinary in the best way.”
Latest on the mass shooting at Minneapolis Catholic Schools
“Harper didn’t do anything wrong,” Flavin stated. “I’m always looking for the best version of everything.”
This tribute in Minneapolis occurred just four days after a fatal shooting linked to conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
During the celebration of Harper’s life, speakers conveyed their frustration and anger over ongoing gun violence, especially incidents affecting schoolchildren.
Rabbi Jason Rodditch advised people to step away from social media and avoid blaming others for the current state of society. He encouraged everyone to “turn to the warm souls beside you,” urging them to do it for Harper and for themselves.
