Minneapolis School Shooting: Attacker Obsessed with Killing Children, Authorities Reveal

Wed Oct 22 2025 15:06:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a tragic incident in Minneapolis, an attacker opened fire in a church, killing two children and injuring several others. Investigators revealed that the shooter had a fixation on harming children, which has raised concerns over safety and gun control.

The Minneapolis shooting has left a community in mourning after two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, were killed during a prayer service. The perpetrator, Robin Westman, was described as 'obsessed with the idea of killing children.' The investigation continues as officials examine the attacker's background and motivations, which include his previously stated hatred towards various groups. Calls for stricter gun control are gaining momentum in the wake of this tragedy.

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, Jesse Merkel, Fletcher's father, told reporters.

Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking and any sport that he was allowed to play, he said. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You'll always be with us, he continued, choking back tears.

The parents of Harper Moyski, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, described their daughter as a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her. They expressed their hope that Harper's memory fuels action to stop gun violence, stating, No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain... Change is possible, and it is necessary.

Officials have released few details about the suspect's background, but say Westman previously attended the church's school and had a mother who had worked there. The attacker is believed to have approached the side of the Annunciation Church and fired dozens of shots through the windows using three firearms.

In a news conference on Thursday, acting US Attorney General for Minnesota Joseph Thompson stated that the shooter expressed hate towards many groups, including the Jewish community and towards President Trump. Westman, who died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, left a note, but officials indicate that a clear motive may never be established.

Chief O'Hara urged news outlets to stop using the shooter’s name, as their actions were intended for notoriety. He emphasized the need to address the growing trend of mass shootings linked to a fascination with previous shooters.

In the wake of this incident, there are rising calls for legislative changes regarding gun control, with the Minneapolis mayor advocating for a ban on assault weapons. As the community mourns, activists and citizens continue pushing for vital changes to prevent such tragedies in the future.