12-Year-Old Minneapolis Shooting Survivor Released from Hospital
UPDATE: A 12-year-old girl, Sophia Forchas, who survived a harrowing shooting at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, has been released from the hospital following a miraculous recovery. Celebrated by friends and family with flowers and applause, her release on October 23, 2025, marks a profound moment for her family and the community.
Sophia was critically injured on August 27 when a gunman opened fire during a mass, leaving her fighting for her life. After undergoing emergency surgery to relieve swelling on her brain, she spent weeks in a medically induced coma at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) before transitioning to rehabilitation at Gillette Children’s Hospital. Her parents credited her recovery to the “miraculous power of prayer” and are overwhelmed with gratitude for the medical staff’s dedication.
A crowd of well-wishers gathered outside HCMC, holding signs and cheering as Sophia left the facility. Her parents shared, “Our beloved daughter, Sophia, is coming home!!” on a GoFundMe page that has raised nearly $1.2 million for her recovery. They expressed thanks to the remarkable medical teams that have supported them, noting that Sophia is now walking, swimming, and even dribbling a basketball.
“This journey has been one of extraordinary resilience,” her parents said. They also paid tribute to the victims of the shooting, including two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, who lost their lives that tragic day.
The alleged shooter, Robin Westman, opened fire at approximately 10 a.m. as children were gathering for mass, causing chaos and fear that lasted around ten minutes before he turned the gun on himself. The incident left 18 people injured, with 15 of them being children.
Sophia’s mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, was at work when she learned her daughter was among the injured, highlighting the personal toll of this tragic event on families. Her brother was present during the shooting but was not harmed.
As Sophia prepares to return home, her family remains hopeful and focused on her continued recovery. “Each step she takes is a living testament to the boundless grace of God,” they stated. The community continues to rally around the Forchas family, demonstrating the profound impact of support and love in the face of tragedy.
Stay tuned for updates as Sophia’s recovery journey unfolds, and the community reflects on the lasting effects of this event.
