THE first child victim of the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting has been named as eight-year-old Fletcher Merkel.
Fletcher was one of two children killed during mass at Annunciation Catholic School on Wednesday as his father paid a heartbreaking tribute.
Sick lone gunman Robin Westman, 23, fired over 100 bullets at defenseless kids and teachers in the horror attack.
Another 18 people were injured, including children aged between six and 15 as well as three adults in their 80s.
They were all said to be sat in pews inside the church as Westman, dressed in all black and carrying three guns, opened fire with a rifle through the windows.
The killer then turned the gun on himself before police could arrive.
In a heartbreaking statement, Fletcher’s dad Jessie said: “Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sports that he was allowed to play.
“While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time, our family can find healing.”
The devastated father added that Fletcher was “on the path to becoming to a wonderful young man”.
Jessie didn’t say Robin’s name as spoke today but instead referred to him as a “coward”.
He blamed him for taking away Fletcher’s loved one’s ability to “hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow”.
The name of the second 10-year-old victim is yet to be confirmed.
Although a motive hasn’t been officially released, the shooter posted a disturbing video with what appeared to be a manifesto, apologizing to his family members.
The footage then showed multiple guns scribbled with offensive phrases as Westman displayed a great deal of bullets and writings.
