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
Attorneys Argue Jacob Bard Actions in Deadly Kentucky State University Shooting Were Legally Justified
Attorneys representing Jacob Bard, the man accused in a deadly shooting at Kentucky State University, contend that his actions were legally justified and undertaken in defense of his family amid what they describe as a violent and uncontrolled situation on campus.
In a press release issued Monday afternoon, Bard’s legal team from the Indiana-based law firm Danks & Danks asserted that Bard “was completely justified under the law in his use of deadly force.”
Bard is accused of fatally shooting one Kentucky State University student and wounding another during an incident at a campus dormitory.
According to the attorneys’ statement, Bard traveled to Kentucky State University after his younger son reported being attacked on multiple occasions.
The release alleges that on Monday, December 8, a group of approximately 20 to 30 individuals gathered outside the son’s dormitory, some allegedly armed, and began beating on the door. Campus police were reportedly called to respond to the disturbance.
The following morning, Bard and his wife met with Kentucky State University police. While the attorneys stated that officers appeared sincere in their efforts, they claimed it was evident to the family that campus police were “ill-prepared to deal with the out-of-control and violent environment.”
The legal team further alleges that both the university and its police department failed to adequately address what they described as multiple armed and violent felonies against Bard’s sons, ages 18 and 19, as well as other students in the days preceding the shooting.
Those alleged incidents included burglaries and armed assaults.
Later that morning, the family attended a meeting at Young Hall with campus police and a university dean.
According to the release, the meeting left the family convinced that the university would not be able to maintain a safe environment, prompting them to begin removing the son’s belongings from the dormitory.
When the family returned to the residence hall, the attorneys claim that individuals previously involved in the alleged assaults were present, despite assurances they would not be allowed inside.
The statement further alleges that those individuals photographed the family and made verbal threats.
The attorneys contend that, even with two armed Kentucky State University police officers present, a group of 20 to 30 individuals gathered in the dormitory lobby and “violently and viciously attacked” Bard’s son and family members.
According to the release, Bard’s son was slammed into the concrete floor and beaten by multiple people, and the officer on scene allegedly lost control of the situation.
“In the chaos,” the attorneys wrote, Bard attempted to pull attackers off his son but was struck himself. Believing his son to be in imminent danger of death or serious physical injury, Bard then drew his firearm and shot two individuals whom the attorneys say were actively assaulting his son.
The legal team also stated that no charges have been filed against others allegedly involved in the confrontation and claimed the Bard family has continued to receive death threats.
The release further alleges that the mother of the deceased student has publicly called for retaliation against Bard’s son and sought assistance from criminal groups—claims that have not been independently verified by authorities.
The case against Bard was presented to a grand jury on December 16.
During a previous court hearing, a detective testified that at least one video reviewed by investigators did not show the shooting victims assaulting Bard’s son.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not issued a final determination regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting.