Harper Moyski Obituary, Death; – The second victim who was shot and killed during the mass shooting at a Catholic school and church in Minneapolis on Wednesday has been identified.

The family of the 10-year-old victim has named the deceased as Harper Moyski. She, along with 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, were the two children who lost their lives on Wednesday when a 23-year-old gunman opened fire on students and teachers attending a school mass, marking the second day of the school year.

Moyski was a student at Annunciation Catholic School in south Minneapolis, where the tragic shooting occurred.

On Thursday, Aug. 28, the young girl’s family released a statement: “We are heartbroken to announce that our cherished daughter, Harper Moyski, was tragically taken from us in the recent school shooting. Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”

“Our hearts are shattered not only as parents but also for Harper’s sister, who adored her big sister and is experiencing an unimaginable loss. As a family, we are devastated, and words cannot express the depth of our sorrow,” her parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, stated. “While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is crucial that her memory inspires action. No family should ever have to suffer this kind of pain.”

“We call upon our leaders and communities to take significant measures to combat gun violence and the mental health crisis in this nation. Change is achievable, and it is essential—so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long series of tragedies,” they added. “We are profoundly thankful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support. Harper’s light will forever shine through us, and we hope her memory motivates others to strive for a safer, more compassionate world.”

Authorities announced Thursday, Aug. 28, that 18 others were injured in the shooting, 15 of whom were children. The other three victims were three churchgoers in their 80s, according to local KTSP.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey addressed the media at a press conference, calling the shooting “unspeakable.” “No words that can capture the horror of this unspeakable act,” Frey said. “Children are dead.”

“Do not think of these as just somebody else’s kids, think of this as if it were your own,” Frey continued. “Every one of us needs to be wrapping our arms around these families, giving them every ounce we can muster. These were Minneapolis families, these were American families.”

Authorities said the shooter was 23-year-old Robin Westman, whose mother used to work at the school. Westman died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the school parking lot, police said Wednesday.

“Our teachers were heroes,” said principal Matthew DeBoer at a press conference later Wednesday. “Children were ducked down, adults were protecting children, older children were protecting younger children, and as we heard earlier, it could have been significantly worse without their heroic action.”

However, DeBoer mourned the two students killed in the shooting, which authorities said began just before 8:30 a.m. local time when Westman opened fire from outside the church, shooting through windows at the students gathered for prayer inside.

“We lost two angels today,” DeBoer said. Frey said Wednesday that “you cannot put into words the gravity, tragedy, or pain of this situation.”

“Don’t just say it’s about thoughts and prayers, these kids were literally praying,” Frey said. “These are kids who should be learning with their friends, they should be playing on the playground, they should be able to go to school or church in peace.”