In the world of late-night television, Stephen Colbert is known for his wit, humor, and political commentary. But one evening, his usual comedic persona was set aside for something far more somber and emotional. On a recent episode of The Late Show, Colbert shared a deeply personal and heart-wrenching tribute to the families of two young victims killed in the Minneapolis school shooting, bringing much-needed attention to a tragedy that had rocked the community.

The shooting, which occurred at the Annunciation Church in Minneapolis, resulted in the tragic deaths of Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyski, 10. The assailant, Robin Westman, opened fire on innocent children who were praying at the church, leaving 18 others injured. The brutality of the attack shocked the nation, with investigators revealing that Westman was “obsessed with the idea of killing children.”

On the night of the attack, the parents of Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski were thrust into unimaginable grief. Fletcher’s father, Jesse Merkel, spoke through tears, describing his son as a boy full of love for his family, friends, and the things he cherished. “Fletcher loved his family, friends, fishing, cooking, and any sport that he was allowed to play,” he said. His heartfelt plea for parents to “give your kids an extra hug and kiss today” struck a chord with viewers. In the face of such unimaginable loss, the love and devotion he expressed for his son became a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life.

Similarly, Harper’s parents, Michael Moyski and Jackie Flavin, spoke of their daughter with a tenderness that spoke volumes about the kind of person Harper had been. “Harper was a bright, joyful, and deeply loved 10-year-old whose laughter, kindness, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” they said. They, too, expressed their devastation, adding that they hoped Harper’s memory would fuel the fight against gun violence, underscoring the need for change to prevent such tragedies from happening again.

In his tribute, Colbert reflected on the heartbreak that the families were experiencing. “These are children. Children who were stolen from their families, from their futures, by an act of senseless violence,” he said. With tears in his eyes, Colbert described how a tragedy like this could not only tear apart the lives of the victims but also shake the very foundation of a community.

Colbert’s tribute was not just about the individual grief of these families, but also about the larger issue of gun violence that continues to plague the United States. “Every day, parents send their children off to school, unsure whether they will come home,” Colbert said, his voice heavy with emotion. He called on lawmakers to take meaningful action to curb the epidemic of gun violence, echoing the sentiments of many Americans who feel that enough is enough. The Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, in the aftermath of the shooting, called for a ban on assault weapons, insisting that there is no reason for civilians to have access to military-grade firearms capable of devastating such carnage.

The horrific events in Minneapolis also prompted an outpouring of support from other public figures, including Colbert, who used his platform to demand change. In the past, he has often addressed the pressing issues of gun violence and mass shootings, but this time, his words were not just political rhetoric—they were personal. The tears he shed for Fletcher and Harper were tears shed for every child, every family, and every community affected by the scourge of gun violence in America.

The attack, which was described as an act of “domestic terrorism” motivated by a hate-filled ideology, has sparked national conversations about gun control and the need for change in American society. In addition to the pain and grief felt by the families of the victims, the broader community in Minneapolis was left reeling from the shock of a senseless massacre that, tragically, had become all too familiar.

The Minneapolis school shooting was a reminder of the harsh reality that many children in the United States face: the constant threat of violence in spaces that should be safe. Witnesses to the attack described the terror that gripped the children as they fled for their lives, bleeding and calling out for help. One witness recalled seeing a girl with a head wound, crying for someone to hold her hand, an image that haunted many who saw it. Another parent, Vincent Francoual, spoke about the pervasive fear that now accompanies every school day, as he worried about the safety of his daughter, Chloe, who was also present at the church when the shooting took place.

Colbert’s emotional tribute to the victims was a powerful call for action and an acknowledgment of the deep, lasting pain that such tragedies cause. But it also served as a reminder that, in the face of unimaginable sorrow, there is hope. There is hope in the resilience of families like those of Fletcher and Harper, who, despite their heartbreak, continue to speak out in the hope that change will come.

As Colbert closed his tribute, he reminded viewers that, “We must never forget the names of the victims, the lives that were lost, and the futures that were stolen.” He urged the audience to hold their loved ones a little tighter, to cherish each moment, and to demand change, so that no more lives would be senselessly taken by violence. “We must stand together and make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Colbert concluded.

In a world filled with too much pain and loss, Stephen Colbert’s tribute was a moment of solidarity, compassion, and a heartfelt plea for action—a plea that resonated deeply with his audience and, perhaps, with the millions of others across the country who are demanding an end to gun violence.