Tragedy in Minneapolis: Shooter's Obsession With Targeting Children Exposed

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:01:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A devastating attack at a Minneapolis church leaves two children dead and many more injured, as officials reveal the shooter's disturbing obsession with harming children.

A recent shooting incident at a Minneapolis church resulted in two young victims and numerous injuries. Police reports indicate the shooter had an obsession with killing children, yet lacked a specific motive. The horrifying event has ignited calls for action against gun violence and a ban on assault weapons. Families mourn their lost children, urging for changes to prevent future tragedies.

Investigators say that the attacker who opened fire on pupils as they were praying at a church in Minneapolis was obsessed with the idea of killing children.

Robin Westman, who killed two children and injured 18 others, did not seem to have any specific motive, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara.

The attacker appeared to hate all of us, the chief said on Thursday, adding: More than anything, the shooter wanted to kill children.

The murdered children have been identified by family as Fletcher Merkel, eight, and Harper Moyski, 10.

Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us, his father, Jesse Merkel, told reporters. 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 said.

The parents of Harper Moyski, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, said in a statement that their daughter was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Officials have released few details so far about the suspect's background, but say she previously attended the church's school and had a mother who had worked there. The 23-year-old suspect is believed to have approached the side of the Annunciation Church, which also houses a school, and fired dozens of shots through the windows using three firearms.

Witnesses have described seeing children bleeding as they fled from the church, begging for help from strangers. In a news conference, acting US Attorney General for Minnesota Joseph Thompson said the shooter expressed hate towards many groups.

FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as an act of domestic terrorism motivated by a hate-filled ideology. Current efforts are underway to prevent further tragedies of such nature while honoring the memories of lost children.