Second Child Killed In Minneapolis Shooting Identified By Family

The second child killed in the mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis was identified by her family.

Harper Moyski, 10, was one of two students killed by Robin Westman, 23, during a welcome Mass for the new school year, the other being Fletcher Merkel, 8, who was previously identified. Harper's family released a public statement honoring their daughter and calling on U.S. lawmakers to address gun violence.

“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. As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” the family wrote in a statement obtained by the New York Post on Thursday (August 28). “While our immediate focus is on Harper and our family’s healing, we also believe it is important that her memory fuels action. No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain.

“We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country. Change is possible, and it is necessary—so that Harper’s story does not become yet another in a long line of tragedies,” their statement added.

Robin Westman, 23, who was born Robert Westman, identifies as a woman and changed her name in 2020, opened fire through the windows just prior to 8:30 a.m. local time, killing the two children and injuring 17 other people, including three adults reported to be in their 80s and 14 children between the ages of 6 and 15. All 14 children injured during the shooting are expected to survive, Minneapolis Police Department Chief Brian O'Hara told KSTP on Wednesday (August 27).

Westman's motive has not yet been determined, however, a YouTube page believed to belong to her, which has since been taken down, seemed to have posted a potential manifesto Wednesday morning.

“I don’t expect forgiveness … I do apologize for the effects my actions will have on your lives," an apparent four-page handwritten letter shown in the video stated.

Electronics related to Westman were recovered by police and authorities are working through dozens of pages from documents in an attempt to confirm motive of the suspected shooter, who has no criminal history.

"It was premeditated, we believe," O'Hara said, though clarifying that investigators haven't yet established a motive.

Mary Grace Westman, Robin's mother, spent five years working as a secretary at the school until her retirement in 2021, as confirmed by a post shared on the church's website.

“She has provided such wonderful hospitality, friendship and compassion to all who gathered for the last five years at Annunciation. You will be missed! Congratulations on your retirement!” the church wrote.