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The two children who were killed in the shooting at a Minneapolis church was identified Thursday.

Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were fatally shot when a suspect opened fire at a mass that hundreds of students at Annunciation Catholic School attended Wednesday morning.

Fletcher Merkel's father, Jesse, addressed the media Thursday, which was one day after what authorities described as a senseless tragedy.

"Yesterday, a coward decided to take our 8-year-old son, Fletcher, away from us," Jesse Merkel said during a news conference. "Because of their actions, we will never be allowed to hold him, talk to him, play with him, and watch him grow into the wonderful young man he was on the path to becoming."

Jesse added that Fletcher loved his family and friends, as well as a variety of hobbies that included fishing, cooking, and "any sport that he was allowed to play."

Jesse said he and his loved ones are devastated Fletcher's life was cut short.

"While the hole in our hearts and lives will never be filled, I hope that in time our family can find healing," Jesse said. "I pray that the other victim's family can find some semblance of the same. I am hopeful that all the wounded are able to make a full recovery and return home to their families. And finally, all the people, and especially the children impacted by this horrific event, are able to recover mentally and find strength to live loving, happy and full lives."

In a statement released Thursday, Moyski's parents described Harper as “a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old" who was “adored” by her younger sister.

"As a family, we are shattered, and words cannot capture the depth of our pain,” the statement read.

The 10-year-old's parents said that they were focused on healing in the wake of the shooting, but added that they hoped Harper’s memory would fuel action that might prevent shootings going forward.

"No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain,” Harper’s parents wrote. “We urge our leaders and communities to take meaningful steps to address gun violence and the mental health crisis in this country.”

Authorities said the suspect, who was identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, stood outside the church and began firing through the windows on Wednesday shortly before 8:30 a.m.

Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said two children were killed as they sat in church pews. He said 15 other children who ranged in age from 6 to 15, along with three adults in their 80s who attended the mass, were also hurt.

The chief said Westman, who identified as transgender, was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. He said all the guns were purchased legally.

O'Hara said Westman was found dead in the back of the Annunciation Church parking lot from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

While Jesse said he is grieving, he is comforted by the stories he's heard about "the swift and heroic actions of children and adults alike from inside the church."

"Without these people and their selfless actions, this could have been a tragedy of many magnitudes more. For these people, I'm thankful," Jesse said. "Moving forward. We ask not for your sympathy, but your empathy. As our family and the Annunciation community grieve and try to make sense of such a senseless act of violence, please remember, Fletcher, for the person he was nand not the act that ended his life. Give your kids an extra hug and kiss today. We love you, Fletcher. You will always be with us."
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