Crime
8-year-old Fletcher Merkel killed in Annunciation Catholic school shooting
MINNEAPOLIS — Authorities have identified one of the two children killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School, describing the event as one of the darkest days in the city’s history.
The victims were an 8-year-old boy and a 10-year-old child. On Thursday evening, officials confirmed the 8-year-old victim as Fletcher Merkel.
The 10-year-old has not yet been publicly identified.
Outside Annunciation Church, Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, delivered a moving statement on behalf of the family.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us,” he said. “Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, or watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was becoming. Fletcher loved his family, his friends, fishing, cooking, and every sport he could play.”
Merkel went on to thank the many children and adults who acted heroically during the attack, noting that their quick actions prevented even greater loss of life.
He concluded with a plea for empathy rather than sympathy, asking the community to remember Fletcher for the joyful child he was rather than for the tragedy that ended his life.
Police say the gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student at Annunciation, opened fire during morning Mass at approximately 8:27 a.m. Wednesday.
Westman, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol—all purchased legally—fired more than 100 rounds into the sanctuary, striking children as young as six. Investigators later recovered 116 rifle casings and three shotgun shells from the scene.
Authorities said Westman blocked some doors with wooden planks in an apparent effort to trap victims inside. Chief Brian O’Hara noted that the church’s policy of locking doors after Mass began likely prevented even greater casualties.
By 8:31 a.m., a Minneapolis police officer arrived and rushed into the church without tactical gear. Parishioners later told officials his arrival was the first moment they believed survival was possible.
The shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the church.
In total, 18 people were injured, including 15 children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three elderly parishioners in their 80s. Two children, Fletcher and another yet-unidentified 10-year-old, were killed.
Hospitals across Minneapolis continue to care for survivors:
- Children’s Minnesota reported treating seven pediatric patients, three of whom remain hospitalized in serious or critical condition.
- Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) confirmed it has treated nine victims, including five children. One child remains in critical condition.
Among those wounded is 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, a parishioner at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, who underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition.
Doctors and first responders have shared accounts of extraordinary bravery, including a child who shielded another from a shotgun blast and a nurse manager who climbed inside a CT scanner to comfort a terrified child.
The FBI is treating the shooting as both an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators recovered writings, firearms with hateful inscriptions, and a manifesto that included anti-Catholic and anti-Semitic language. Patel described the shooting as a “barbaric attack” motivated by “pure, indiscriminate hate.”
Authorities also confirmed that Westman admired and studied previous mass shooters, seeking notoriety through the attack. Chief O’Hara urged media outlets to stop repeating the suspect’s name, saying, “That was the whole purpose of why he did this act.”
Court records show Westman legally changed their name from Robert to Robin in 2020 with the support of their mother, Mary Grace Westman, a longtime parish employee. Investigators are seeking to speak with her, though she has not yet cooperated.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced an immediate increase in security for schools and houses of worship across the Twin Cities. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for unity, warning against scapegoating vulnerable communities.
“Anybody using this as an opportunity to vilify our trans community—or any community—has lost their sense of humanity,” Frey said. “This needs to be about the kids. Kids died today.”
Chief O’Hara acknowledged the community’s deep grief, calling the massacre “an unthinkable and senseless act of violence against children worshipping at Mass.”
As the investigation continues, federal and local officials pledged to leave “no stone unturned” in uncovering Westman’s motives and preventing future attacks.
Crime
Who Is the Hero Teacher, Threw a Phone at Gunman John J. Griffin II, Tackled Him, and Fought Back During the Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting?
Another Unamed Hero in Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting: Teacher throwing phone at gunman Griffin J. John II who attacked , tackling him and fighting him.
Anyone Know Her Name? She Must Be Praised Just Like Kaylub Giamanco
BEND, Oregon — Becky Drury, a 54-year-old teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, sustained serious injuries during the deadly school shooting on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Drury suffered gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand and underwent surgery, according to the information shared about the incident.
As Drury begins what could be a lengthy recovery, new details have also emerged about the reported actions of another teacher who allegedly confronted the gunman during the attack. According to the account attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz during a press conference, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and fought back.
The teacher reportedly escaped the confrontation without physical injuries. Officials were said to have clarified that earlier information suggesting the teacher had been injured was incorrect.
Drury was among those injured in the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School. She sustained injuries to her left arm and right hand and required surgery.
Although the injuries were described as serious, the information provided indicates that she survived the operation. Her recovery may involve additional medical treatment, rehabilitation, and emotional support as she works to recover from the traumatic experience.
Her family, colleagues, students, and community members are hoping for her continued improvement and a successful recovery.
The shooting has left the school community dealing with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For those injured, the challenges extend beyond immediate medical care, as they and their loved ones face the psychological and emotional consequences of the violence.
Additional details attributed to Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz describe the actions of another Silver Rail Elementary School teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman during the attack.
According to the account provided, the unidentified teacher threw a phone at the suspect, tackled him, and physically fought back. The teacher was reportedly not injured, contrary to earlier information about the confrontation.
The teacher’s reported actions have drawn attention because confronting an armed attacker can involve extraordinary personal risk. However, the precise sequence of events and the extent to which the confrontation affected the outcome should be established through official statements and investigative findings.
The teacher’s identity has not been provided in the supplied information. Protecting that person’s privacy may be particularly important while the school community and those directly involved continue to process the incident.
The supplied account also identifies Kaylub Giamanco as the person who reportedly shot and killed the suspect during the incident.
The suspect has been identified in earlier reports as John J. Griffin II, a 16-year-old. However, the exact spelling and order of the suspect’s name should be confirmed against official law enforcement records before publication.
The reported intervention by Giamanco and the actions attributed to the unidentified teacher are separate aspects of the developing account. Their precise roles and the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s death should be described using verified statements from investigators.
As Becky Drury faces recovery, messages of support and prayers are being shared for her and everyone affected by the shooting.
Teachers and school staff often play a central role in supporting children, particularly during frightening and uncertain situations. The reported actions of Drury’s colleague have prompted expressions of appreciation, although the full circumstances should be confirmed before drawing definitive conclusions about what happened.
The emotional impact of a school shooting can continue long after the immediate danger has passed. Survivors, families, students, educators, and first responders may need access to counseling, mental health resources, and other forms of assistance.
Community support may also help families and injured staff members manage medical costs, time away from work, and other practical challenges during recovery.
The Silver Rail Elementary School shooting has left the Bend community confronting profound loss and uncertainty. As families mourn those who died, attention is also turning to the survivors who must navigate the difficult process of healing.
Becky Drury’s recovery remains an important concern for her loved ones and colleagues. The unidentified teacher who reportedly confronted the gunman may also need emotional support after experiencing such a traumatic event, even without physical injuries.
Prayers and support are being extended to Becky Drury, her family, the teacher who reportedly intervened, and every student, family, and staff member affected by the tragedy.