On August 27, 2025, Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis which was usually a place of peace, was shattered by gunfire. Children and teachers were at morning Mass when a former student opened fire from outside, sending bullets through the stained glass. In seconds, two young lives were gone: 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who loved fishing and family games, and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, remembered for her bright laughter.
The tragedy is almost unbearable because of where it happened. As Minneapolis’ mayor said, “These kids were literally praying.” If even prayer isn’t safe, what is?
Authorities later revealed the shooter’s writings were filled with hatred, turning this into not just another act of gun violence, but a hate crime and domestic terrorism. Yet even amid the horror, bravery shone through—teachers shielding students, children protecting each other, and a community gathering in vigils, refusing to let fear have the last word.
But grief without change feels hollow. Fletcher and Harper deserve more than candles and prayers. Their memory demands action safer schools, safer sanctuaries, and a refusal to accept violence as the cost of living in America.
