An eight-year-old boy killed within the US Catholic faculty capturing has been named – as his father branded the attacker a “coward”.
Fletcher Merkel was one in every of two youngsters killed throughout mass at Annunciation Catholic College in Minneapolis on Wednesday.
Eighteen different folks have been injured, together with youngsters aged between six and 15 and three adults of their 80s.
Police stated Robin Westman, a male born as Robert Westman, opened hearth with a rifle by way of the home windows of the varsity’s church as youngsters sat in pews.
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17:49
New particulars launched of US faculty capturing
Dad says ‘Fletcher cherished his household’
He added: “Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sports that he was allowed to play.
“Whereas the opening in our hearts and lives won’t ever be crammed, I hope that in time, our household can discover therapeutic.”
Mr Merkel stated he prayed the household of the 10-year-old sufferer – who has not been recognized – would additionally discover peace.
“I’ve heard many stories accounting the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church,” he added.
“Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I am thankful.”
Picture:
Households and family members reunite on the scene after the capturing. Pic: Reuters
Mayor requires assault weapon ban
It comes after Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey referred to as for a statewide and federal ban on assault weapons, a day after the lethal faculty capturing.
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Minneapolis mayor urges assault weapons ban
“We need a statewide and a federal ban on high-capacity magazines. There is no reason that someone should be able to reel off 30 shots before they even have to reload.
“We’re not speaking about your father’s looking rifle gear. We’re speaking about weapons which might be constructed to pierce armour and kill folks.”
Meanwhile, Minneapolis police chief Brian O’Hara has given an update on the investigation, saying the suspect had fired 116 rifle rounds into the church.
“It is rather clear that this shooter had the intention to terrorise these harmless youngsters,” he added, before saying the killer “fantasised” about the plans of other mass shooting attackers and wanted to “receive notoriety”.
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One baby on the hospital was in a crucial situation, he added.
Youngsters’s Minnesota Hospital additionally stated that three youngsters stay in its care as of Thursday morning.
