Father of 8-Year-Old Killed in Minnesota Shooting Makes Heart-Wrenching Statement: ‘Give Your Kids an Extra Hug and Kiss Today’

The parents of the two children killed in Wednesday’s Minnesota shooting spoke out, with one urging fellow parents to give their kids an “extra hug and kiss.”

Two children were shot and killed while celebrating Mass during their first week of classes at the Annunciation Catholic School when a shooter opened fire, killing them and injuring 18 more.

The kids have been identified as 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski.

Jesse Merkel, Fletcher’s father, made a heart-wrenching statement to cameras, telling people to remember his son for who he was — and not the act of violence that ended his life.

Merkel said:

Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son Fletcher away from us. Because of their actions, 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. Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, and any sport that he was allowed to play. While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing. I pray that the other victims’ family can find some semblance of the same.

Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, described her as “bright, joyful, and deeply loved” and they urged “change” when it comes to gun violence and mental health in the country.

“Our hearts are broken not only as parents, but also for Harper’s sister, who adored her big sister and is grieving an unimaginable loss,” they said in a statement. “As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain.”

Merkel told parents to offer extra love to their children in the wake of this tragedy and he gave thanks to those who acted quickly during the shooting.

He said:

Over the past day, I’ve heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church. Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I’m thankful. Moving forward, we ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy. As our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence, please remember Fletcher for the person he was and not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You’ll always be with us.

Watch above via Fox 9.

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