Tragedy gives way to hope as Minneapolis unites in support of children impacted by the Catholic school shooting incident.
On Wednesday, a mass shooting rocked the peaceful community of Minneapolis as it occurred at Annunciation Catholic School. Eighteen people, including fifteen children, were injured in the tragic incident. Unfortunately, the shooting resulted in the death of an 8-year-old boy named Fletcher Merkel and a 10-year-old girl named Harper Moyski.
The vigilant community rallied together for those recovering from the shooting, as well as their families and staff. Over 100 people gathered for a candlelight vigil across from the children's ward at Hennepin County Medical Center. A massive memorial is being built outside the church for the victims.
City leaders are vowing to protect schools and children as they start their first day of public school next week. They are also offering recovery funds to those impacted by the shooting.
The 23-year-old shooter, Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Robin Westman, the shooter, previously attended Annunciation Catholic School. A warrant related to the church details physical evidence found at the crime scene, including weapons and unspent rounds.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. However, Minneapolis Police Assistant Chief Christopher Gaiters has had conversations with the suspect's mother, and another warrant is related to the suspect's father's home, detailing conversations with the father, who allegedly told police the suspect had recently broken up with a romantic partner.
One of the victims, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, is in critical condition after undergoing surgery. Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church described Sophia as "luminous" and "bright." Sophia's younger brother was inside the school at the time of the shooting, and her mother is a pediatric nurse at the hospital where Forchas was admitted.
No priest is ever prepared enough to offer consolation for a moment like this, according to Father Timothy Sas. WLS' Mark Rivera contributed to this report.
As the community continues to heal, they stand together in support of each other during this difficult time.
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