Families of two children were South -Announstion Catholic Church was shot dead on Wednesday morning in South West Miniapolis Talked for the first time on Thursday afternoon.
The father of one of the two children killed in the massacre recognized the victim as 8 -year -old Fletcher Merkel. The family of the second victim recognized him as 10 -year -old Harper Moyski.
WCCO 
Both families issued statements and asked the public to respect their secrecy.
Here is the complete transcript of the statement of the Merkel family, as given by Jessie Merkel:
“Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8 -year -old son, Fletcher away from us. Because of his actions, we will never be allowed to catch him, talk to him, play with him, and he will be seen growing as a wonderful young man who was on the way to becoming.
“Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any game, which he was allowed to play. While our hearts and life would never be filled in life, I hope that over time, our family can get treatment.
“I hope all the injured are capable of making a complete recovery and are able to return home to their families, and in the end, all people – and especially the children affected by this dreadful event – are able to recover and have strength to recover and live, love and live a full life.
“The previous day, I have heard many stories, which is an account of the sharp and brave works of children and adults from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, it can be a tragedy of many magnitude for these people. I am grateful.
“Moving forward, we do not ask for your sympathy, but your sympathy as our family and prosecution is unhappy and try to make an understanding of such an insensitive work of violence. Please remember the Fletcher for the person who was he and not what ends his life. Put an extra hug to your children and today kissing you. We will always be with America.” You will always be with America. “
Completely read in a joint statement by Michael Moyski and Jackie Flevin:
“We have been destroyed to share that our beloved daughter, Harper Moyski, was recently killed in school shooting. Harper loved a bright, joyful and deeply at 10 years old, whose laughter, kindness and soul touched everyone who knew him.
“Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper’s sister, who have accepted their elder sister and mourning an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot occupy the depth of our pain.
“We mourn for mourning and tomorrow for our fellow declaration family. We are grateful to employees and first respondents who did a lot yesterday.
“While our immediate attention is on the treatment of Harper and our family, we also believe that his memory fuel action. No family should ever tolerate such pain. We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary that the story is not possible.
“We are deeply grateful to the outbreak of love, prayer and support. Harper’s light will always shine through us, and we hope that his memory inspires others to work towards a safe, more kind world.
“At this time, we please ask the media and the community to respect our privacy because we mourn the life of Harper and respect Harper’s life together. We need a place to mourn, to support Harper’s sister, and to hold each other tightly, to mourn.”
Another 18 people were hurt, including 15 fellow announcements Students aged 6 and 15 yearsThree adults, all in the 80s, were also shot. Miniapolis police chief Brian O’Hara says Children are expected to surviveHowever, at least seven victims were in critical condition when they Arrived in a hospital On Wednesday.
Henpin Healthcare CEO Thomas Clemond described A child who remained in critical condition as “Touch and Go” Thursday morning.
Wednesday’s shoot inspired reactions MPs, advocacy groups And religious leaders State, country and worldwide. President Trump and village Tim Walz have ordered the flags of all American and Minnesota state to fly on half-masters To honor the shooting victims at least by the end of the month.
Vigils were held in twin cities metro For the victims, and A moment of silence was held in front of the game On Wednesday night between Minnesota twins in Canada and Toronto Blue Jais. Efforts and events are going on to help the affected people By shooting.
