12-year-old Minneapolis church shooting survivor shot in head released from hospital
Share this @internewscast.com

A 12-year-old girl, who was gravely injured during the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis this past August, has been discharged from the hospital. Her parents attribute her remarkable recovery to the “miraculous power of prayer.”

Sophia Forchas sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound to the head when a gunman opened fire on August 27. In critical condition, she was immediately transported to a local hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery. Part of her skull was removed to alleviate swelling, and she was placed in a medically induced coma, according to reports from FOX 9.

On Thursday, a crowd of supporters gathered outside Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) to welcome Sophia as she left the facility. She had been receiving treatment there and had most recently undergone rehabilitation at Gillette Children’s.

Sophia Forchas smiles while being greeted by supporters outside the hospital in Minneapolis.

In an emotional scene, Sophia Forchas, a survivor of the mass shooting at Annunciation Church and School, was greeted by well-wishers, accompanied by her father, Tom Forchas. They were met with cheers and signs of encouragement as they stepped out of HCMC in Minneapolis on October 23, 2025. (The Catholic Spirit/Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis via AP)

The release of Sophia from the hospital was described by her parents as “one of the most extraordinary days of our lives.”

“Our beloved daughter, Sophia, is coming home!!” they joyfully announced on a GoFundMe page established to support her recovery journey. The page has successfully raised nearly $1.2 million in donations, a testament to the community’s support and generosity.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the remarkable medical professionals whose skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication brought us to this moment,” her parents wrote.

They thanked doctors and rehabilitation teams at HCMC and Gillette Children’s Hospital and said Sophia is now walking, swimming and “even dribbling a basketball.”

Sophia Forchas smiles with medical staff after her hospital release in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Sophia Forchas, center, poses with members of her care and rehabilitation team outside an ambulance after being discharged from Gillette Children’s Hospital on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in St. Paul, Minnesota. (GoFundMe)

“Each step she takes is a living testament to the boundless grace of God and the miraculous power of prayer,” the couple said.

The Forchas family also offered prayers for those killed and injured in the Aug. 27 shooting, writing, “May their memory be eternal.”

Two children, Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, were killed in the mass shooting and 18 people — 15 of them children — were injured.

Sophia’s mother is a pediatric critical care nurse who was at work at Hennepin Healthcare when she discovered that her daughter was among the injured, according to The Associated Press.

Forchas’ brother was also inside the school during the shooting but was not injured, her parents said.

sophia forchas split image next to annunciation catholic church sign

Sophia Forchas, right, was shot in the head during the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Forchas Family)

The alleged gunman, Robin Westman, formerly Robert Westman, opened fire from outside the school at around 10 a.m., moments after students had gathered for mass, and many children were in the pews.

The horror unfolded for about 10 minutes before Westman, who was transgender, killed himself with his own weapon, police said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NYC rideshare driver carjacked at gunpoint by 4 masked goons after refusing to give crew ride: cops, sources

Shocking NYC Incident: Rideshare Driver Carjacked at Gunpoint by Masked Assailants

A rideshare driver fell victim to a carjacking at gunpoint by four…
Video shows Eric Valencia get into police squad car where he was later found dead

Tragic Incident: Eric Valencia Found Dead in Police Squad Car After Video Surfaces

A troubling new video has emerged showing a man entering a squad…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Two Sustain Serious Injuries in Separate Overnight Shootings Across Jacksonville on Monday

Jacksonville, Fla. — In a series of unrelated events, two individuals have…
Disgraced human rights boss shares cryptic post after arrest

Former Human Rights Leader Posts Enigmatic Message Following Recent Arrest

Sheryl Davis, the former head of San Francisco’s Human Rights Commission, has…
Missing banker’s remains ID’d — again — after beach discovery in decades-old unsolved mystery

Decades-Old Mystery Reignites: Missing Banker’s Remains Positively Identified After Beach Discovery

During a simple family outing for seashells on a Northern California beach,…
Huntington Beach Rescue, Sugar the Surfing Dog, dead after cancer battle

Farewell to Sugar: Beloved Surfing Dog and Huntington Beach Hero Loses Battle with Cancer

Sugar, the celebrated canine surfer who charmed many with her skills and…
Video shows latest Los Angeles street takeover as mob wreaks havoc, vandalizes occupied city bus

Chaotic Los Angeles Street Takeover: Crowd Causes Destruction and Targets City Bus

A startling video has captured a scene of anarchy in the streets…
Trump signs executive order to tighten mail-in voting rules ahead of 2026 midterms

Trump Issues Executive Order to Revamp Mail-In Voting Regulations for 2026 Midterms

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order aimed at…
Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden shot himself in the buttocks: report 

Secret Service Agent Accidentally Discharges Weapon, Sustains Injury: Report

In an unfortunate mishap that occurred last week, a Secret Service agent…
Trump considers ending Congress's two-week recess for a rare special session to end DHS shutdown

Trump Pushes for Unprecedented Special Session to Resolve DHS Shutdown Amid Congressional Recess

WASHINGTON — President Trump has indicated to The Post that he might…
Trump unveils renderings for Miami skyscraper that will serve as his presidential library 

Trump Reveals Vision for Miami Skyscraper to House Presidential Library

On Monday, former President Donald Trump revealed ambitious plans for a presidential…
Windsurfer collides with whale in unbelievable video

Windsurfer Encounters Whale in Astonishing Video Footage

In an astonishing stroke of luck, a windsurfer narrowly escaped serious harm…