Tragic Minneapolis Shooting: Attacker Obsessed with Killing Children

Sat Sep 13 2025 16:11:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A devastating attack at a Minneapolis church left two children dead and 18 injured, with the shooter revealing a disturbing obsession that has shocked the community.

Minneapolis is reeling from a tragic shooting that occurred during a prayer session at a church, where an attacker identified as Robin Westman opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two children, Fletcher Merkel (8) and Harper Moyski (10). The attack, described by police as motivated by a deep-seated obsession with harming children, has sparked calls for stricter gun control measures in the state.

Minneapolis is grappling with a tragic shooting incident that occurred yesterday at a church during a prayer service. The assailant, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire, killing two young children and injuring 18 others. According to local police, Westman was 'obsessed with the idea of killing children' and expressed a desire to watch them suffer.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara reported that Westman, who previously attended the church's school, demonstrated no specific motive for the attack beyond a deep-seated hatred. The two victims were identified as eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel and ten-year-old Harper Moyski, whose parents have expressed profound grief and called for action against gun violence.

In a heartbreaking statement, Jesse Merkel, Fletcher's father, shared: Yesterday, a coward decided to take our eight-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play. Harper's parents echoed similar sentiments, stating their daughter was a 'bright, joyful, and deeply loved' child whose memory they hope inspires change.

Witnesses recounted horrific scenes as children fled the church, begging for help amidst the chaos. Police confirmed the attacker used multiple firearms in the assault, which were all legally purchased. The shooter died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and a note left behind has further complicated the clarity of the attack's motive.

As investigations continue, the local community seeks answers and justice for the devastating loss of two innocent lives. Calls for stricter gun control laws are growing, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey advocating for a ban on assault weapons, emphasizing the need for action to prevent further tragedies.