Mass shooting at Minneapolis church kills two children and injures many

In the United States, a tragic mass shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, during a morning Mass attended by young students from the church's parochial school. The violence resulted in the deaths of two children, 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, while injuring 17 others, including students and elderly parishioners present at the church. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, utilized legally purchased firearms— a rifle, a pistol, and a shotgun— to carry out this attack. This incident ignited renewed discussions on gun control and mental health issues in America. In response to the tragedy, both local and national leaders have expressed their condolences and called for action, with many voicing support for increased gun control measures. Democratic lawmakers have denounced the tragedy as a grim reminder of the growing issue of gun violence in the U.S. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need for prayers during this moment of grief. Several sports teams in Minnesota took to the field to honor the victims, with moments of silence and expressions of solidarity as the community grappled with the aftermath of the shooting. The impact of the shooting has been felt deeply within the local Catholic community, which has a long-standing connection to Annunciation Church. The devastation has led to discussions about safety in schools and places of worship, with some experts suggesting that