MINNEAPOLIS (TNND) -- The Minneapolis Police Department announced it implemented extra patrols in the city after a deadly shooting at a church earlier this week.
Two children were killed and 18 others were hurt when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire at at Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday morning.
Assistant Chief of Operations Christopher Gaiters said the officers are working "round-the clock." He said have been patrolling the area around the church and school, as well as all schools, churches, and religious buildings in the city, through Sept. 5.
When you see us out there, know that we are standing strong with you," Gaiters said during a news conference Friday afternoon.
Typically, officers patrol areas within their districts. Now, Gaiters said Chief Brian O'Hara ordered the officers to patrolling the areas more frequently.
Gaiters said the department understands the fears and concerns everyone has in wake of the attack.
We recognize that people want to be reassured that our community is going to be safe, that our children are going to be safe, those visiting and frequenting these facilities such as schools and worship facilities are going to be safe and we take that very seriously," Gaiters said.
We're committed to doing everything we can to ensure that our teachers, administrators, along with, more importantly, our children, coming back to school and those who are already in school, are safe and are going to remain safe," he added."
He also said O'Hara will reevaluate the patrols, which will then be further increased or scaled back depending on the need.
"This is fluid. We have to give a date just for operational purposes," Gaiters said, adding that the minneapolis State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources, as well as a few other agencies, have been offering assistance with patrols.
"We could not so this without our law enforcement partners and our community members," he said.
Gaiters urged the public to be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior and to contact police with any concerns.
We ask everyone to remain vigilant," he said. "If you see something, please call ... and we will be right there for you."
Gaiters didn't offer any new updates as far as the investigation is concerned, but said police has had "conversations" with the mother of the shooter. He said he was not "at liberty" to share details.
Police previously said Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10, were fatally shot during the attack. Fifteen other children, as well as three adults were hurt.
Merkel's father, Jesse, addressed the media Thursday.
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 Westman, who identified as transgender, was found dead in the back of the church parking lot from what authorities believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As the community grieves, Gaiters said police are offering support.
"We will always have you in our hearts and our prayers," Gaiters said.
"We've learned through this challenge that we are a very resilient community. We're a community of people who care about one another and unfortunately through these incidents it tells us time and time again that Minneapolis will remain strong. We will remain vigilant and we will follow the leadership of our mayor and our chief of police, along with our commissioner, in the efforts of public safety to continue to make you and keep you safe," he added.
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