The father of one of the two children who lost their lives in a shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic Church recounted his heartbreak, realizing he will never be able to hug, talk to, or see his eight-year-old son, Fletcher, grow up. He expressed, “Yesterday, the sick individual chose to take our…8-year-old son from us. Because of their actions, we will never get to embrace him, chat with him, or watch him evolve into the wonderful young man he was destined to be.” Fletcher was described as a child who cherished his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport he could participate in.
The father reflected on the immense void left in their lives, but he also held out hope that both their family and those of the other victims would eventually find healing. Fletcher was one of two kids killed, while another victim, a 10-year-old student at the church, remains unnamed.
In addition to the fatalities, 18 others suffered injuries. Endre Gunter, a 13-year-old boy, was shot in the stomach and underwent surgery. His mother, Daniel Gunter, shared her anguish, stating, “Our hearts are shattered, not just for him, but for everyone affected.” She noted that her son told her how the police were a source of support for him during the ordeal, providing hugs and reassurance before he was taken to the hospital. “Unlike others, we are fortunate enough to still have him with us. We will help him rebuild his trust and confidence,” she added.
A GoFundMe page for Endre indicated that he is currently recovering in the hospital.
Meanwhile, a post on St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church’s Facebook mentioned that another victim, a girl named Sofia, was shot and in serious condition after undergoing a complicated operation. It noted that her brother was inside the school during the incident but wasn’t harmed. Interestingly, Sofia’s mother is a pediatric emergency nurse who discovered her child was one of the injured while she was working.
At a recent press conference, Minnesota U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson stated that the perpetrators had left behind numerous materials that showed a deep obsession with harming children. “The assailants specifically targeted the most vulnerable—children in schools and churches,” he remarked, emphasizing the horrifying nature of their intentions.
On that fateful morning, the shooter began firing around 8:30 AM, causing chaos among students and churchgoers. The motive for this attack has not yet been disclosed.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the violence, saying, “These kids were just praying. They should have the right to experience school and church without fear.” In a broader national response, President Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until August 31, 2025, in honor of the victims. “This act of senseless violence in Minneapolis demands recognition,” he asserted.
Pope Leo XIV also conveyed his condolences to the community, expressing his blessings for peace and comfort during this challenging time.
The shooter, armed with three firearms, is believed to have died from self-inflicted injuries at the back of the church. This tragedy underscores the rising concerns surrounding safety in schools and communities, especially as threats of active shooter situations continue to grow across the country.
