US EditionHundreds mourn 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who was killed in a mass shooting at a Minneapolis church
Friends, family, and officials gathered to celebrate Fletcher Merkel's joyful life and community impact, honoring his adventurous spirit and kindness at the funeral service.
- On Sunday, September 7, a funeral service was held in Minneapolis for 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, killed in the August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church.
- The mass shooting during Mass was caused by 23-year-old former student Robin Westman, who fired over a hundred rounds before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot.
- Hundreds wore bright colors at the service held at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church with mourners including Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara, Governor Tim Walz, and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter.
- Funeral materials included an image of Fletcher accompanied by the phrase "Forever loved, child of God," and his aunt Erin Shermak expressed that their true blessing was having the opportunity to know and cherish him.
- Fletcher's death, along with injuries to at least 21 others, left his family hoping to heal despite grieving deeply for a boy remembered for his energy, generosity, and infectious smile.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Thousands gather to remember Annunciation victim
Thousands gathered to honor 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who was killed in the Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, at his funeral Sunday. Merkel was one of two children killed in the Aug. 27 tragedy. WCCO TV reports “his family says they want him remembered as a boy with sparkling blue eyes and an infectious smile. … Organizers said over 1,400 people attended the gathering, many in bright-colored clothing to honor a boy who found joy in giving…
Minneapolis Radio Station Stunned After School Shooting Victim's Dad Calls In With Poignant Request
People in the Minneapolis area, and many across the country, are still reeling following the August 27, 2025 mass shooting at the Annunciation Church Catholic school in the city.For most of us, though, it's just a news story. For the families of the two children slain in the school shooting, it's an unimaginable loss. One of those families recently gave the public a glimpse into their grief. Jesse Merkel, the father of 8-year-old victim Fletcher…
catholicworldreport.com
Catholic News AgencyVatican experts say Minneapolis shooting victims could qualify as ‘new martyrs’
People attend a vigil at Lynnhurst Park to mourn the dead and pray for the wounded after a gunman opened fire on students at Annunciation Catholic School on Aug. 27, 2025, in Minneapolis. / Credit: Scott Olson/Getty Images Vatican City, Sep 8, ... [...]
Associated Press News
Hundreds mourn 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel, who was killed in a mass shooting at a Minneapolis church
A funeral has been held for one of two schoolchildren killed when a mass shooter opened fire at a Minneapolis Catholic church during Mass.
Funeral held for one of the victims of Annunciation School and Church shooting last month
MINNEAPOLIS (KVRR) — A funeral was held this afternoon for one of the young victims shooting victims at Annunciation School and Church on August 27. Services were held for 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel. At the request of the family, news crews were not allowed onsite, but the service was livestreamed by family permission. The service was held at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church and the family requested that people “please wear bright colors” and, in lieu…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
