Crime
Annunciation Catholic Church School Shooting Victims Identified as Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski
MINNEAPOLIS — The families of two young children killed in Wednesday’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School have spoken publicly for the first time, identifying the victims as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.
Both families released deeply moving statements on Thursday afternoon, asking for privacy as they grieve and urging the community to remember their children for the lives they lived rather than the tragic way they were taken.
Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, delivered the family’s remarks, remembering his son as a bright, energetic boy with a love for sports, fishing, cooking, and time spent with family and friends.
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us,” Merkel said. “Because of their actions, 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 acknowledge the other victims, the swift actions of children and adults inside the church, and the support of first responders. He urged the public to show empathy as his family and community attempt to make sense of the violence.
“Please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life,” he said. “Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you. Fletcher, you’ll always be with us.”
Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, issued a joint statement describing their daughter as a vibrant and compassionate child whose kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met.
“We are devastated to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically killed in the recent school shooting,” the statement read. “Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.”
The family emphasized the profound loss felt not only by them, but also by Harper’s younger sister, who adored her and is now navigating grief beyond her years.
“As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” the statement continued. “No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary — so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies.”
The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, while requesting space to grieve and to support Harper’s sister privately.
Authorities confirmed that in addition to Fletcher and Harper, 18 people were wounded in the attack, including 15 children between the ages of 6 and 15 and three adults in their 80s.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara reported that all of the children are expected to survive, though several remain in critical condition.
At Hennepin Healthcare, CEO Thomas Klemond described one child’s condition as “touch and go” on Thursday morning, underscoring the gravity of the injuries suffered.
The shooting has drawn responses from across Minnesota, the nation, and the world. Vigils have been held throughout the Twin Cities metro, and a moment of silence was observed during Wednesday night’s Minnesota Twins game in Toronto.
Both President Trump and Governor Tim Walz have ordered flags in Minnesota and across the country to be flown at half-staff through the end of the month in honor of the victims.
Community groups, faith leaders, and advocacy organizations continue to mobilize support for the families and survivors, with calls for both healing and meaningful action to prevent future tragedies.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.