The mother of a 10-year-old girl who lost her life during a mass shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis paid tribute to her on Sunday, describing her as a strong, inquisitive, and humorous child who “stayed true to herself.”
Gatherings took place in an open-air amphitheater by the lake to honor Harper Moyski. The attendees were also urged to commit to fostering a less violent society in America.
On August 27, Harper and an 8-year-old schoolmate, Fletcher Merkel, from Annunciation Catholic School, were killed, with 21 others injured. A 23-year-old ex-student, Robin Westman, allegedly equipped with a rifle, pistol, and shotgun, fired over a hundred shots into the church during Mass. Westman was later discovered dead, seemingly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Harper’s mother, Jackie Flavin, conveyed to those assembled that their support felt like a lifeline for the family, who felt submerged in a “pitch-black ocean with crushing pressure.” Harper, a lover of dogs with dreams of becoming a veterinarian, was remembered for teaching them to “shine in darkness.”
“She had her unique viewpoint, style, and way of living. She didn’t seek approval or dilute her personality,” Flavin shared. “And she encouraged us to present ourselves authentically.”
Flavin also called Harper “extra in the very best way.”
“Harper didn’t do anything halfway,” she said. “Always choosing the premium versions, always going for the extra scoop.”
Taking place in Minneapolis, the gathering came just four days after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative figurehead, at Utah Valley University. Throughout Harper’s memorial, there was palpable exasperation and anger over the ongoing gun violence, especially those attacks that target children.
Another extended family member, Rabbi Jason Rodich, urged people to avoid the acrimony of social media and “the scorched earth of these times.”
“Turn just a little to the warm soul beside you,” he said. “Do it for Harper. Do it for you.”
