Community mourns after 10-year-old killed in church shooting

On August 27, 2025, a tragic mass shooting occurred during a service at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, resulting in the deaths of two young students. Harper Moyski, a ten-year-old girl who had aspirations of becoming a veterinarian and was known for her vibrant personality, was one of the victims. The assailant, 23-year-old Robin Westman, a former student, used multiple firearms to shoot indiscriminately through the church’s windows, injuring 21 others before taking his own life. The event not only claimed young lives but also left a profound impact on the community, prompting calls for significant societal change regarding gun violence. In a memorial service held at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, family, friends, and community leaders gathered to honor Harper’s life and legacy. Her mother, Jackie Flavin, shared heartfelt memories of her daughter, highlighting her fierce spirit, curiosity, and the importance of being true to oneself. Flavin expressed the immense support the family received amidst their grief and called on attendees to channel their pain into positive action against violence, advocating for a more peaceful society. The gathering served not only as a remembrance for Harper but also as a rallying point for those frustrated with the ongoing threat of gun violence that endangers children and families. Speakers at the memorial lamented the prevalence of gun violence in society, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent such tragedies in the future. Rabbi Jason Rodich urged attendees to foster kindness and connection instead of engaging in the negativity often seen on social media. The conversations during the memorial underscored a community's profound sorrow and the urgent need for change in a society that continues to grapple with the devastation caused by mass shootings. The loss of Harper Moyski and another student, Fletcher Merkel, aged eight, has left an indelible mark on Minnesota, pushing discussions on gun reform and societal values to the forefront. As the investigation into the shooting continues, the community remains united in grief and determination to seek change, ensuring that the voices of the young victims are not forgotten. The impact of this event goes beyond mere numbers, as it reflects the real human cost of unchecked violence in society. Memorial events like these stand as a testament to community resilience and the hope that through collective efforts, future generations will not face the same harrowing experiences of loss and grief due to gun violence.