12-Year-Old Girl Shot in Head During Minneapolis Church Massacre Making ‘Miraculous’ Recovery

Minneapolis, U.S.A., September 26, 2025 —Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was shot in the head during a mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis on August 27, is making a steady and “miraculous” recovery, according to a statement shared on Monday by Hennepin Healthcare on behalf of her family.

In their statement, the Forchas family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers that have accompanied Sophia’s fight for survival, saying, “Sophia is winning!” They also described their daughter’s recovery as “nothing short of miraculous”, crediting both medical expertise and faith for her progress.

Sophia was critically injured when the attacker, 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire with multiple weapons — including a rifle, shotgun, and pistol — during the first morning Mass of the school year. Westman fired dozens of rounds into the church, shattering stained-glass windows and striking parishioners and students seated in the pews. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators confirmed Westman had no prior criminal record.

The attack killed two children, identified as Fletcher Merkel and Harper Moyski, aged eight and ten, and injured 18 others, including 15 children. Sophia’s younger brother, who was inside the adjoining school at the time of the shooting, was unharmed.

According to a Facebook post from St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, penned by Fr. Timothy Sas on the day of the shooting, Forchas went into surgery at Hennepin County Medical Centre "immediately" after being critically injured.

According to the Associated Press, her neurosurgeon, Dr. Walt Galcich, reported that a bullet had lodged in her skull, causing severe brain injury. Despite the severity of her injuries, Sophia has since shown signs of neurological recovery. Doctors remain cautiously optimistic as they prepare to move her from acute care to an inpatient rehabilitation programme.

The Associated Press reported that Sophia’s mother, a paediatric critical care nurse at Hennepin Healthcare, was at work when she learnt her daughter was among the victims.

Sophia’s family thanked the “extraordinary staff” at Hennepin Healthcare for their tireless care, as well as the Orthodox Church, the Annunciation school community, and supporters worldwide who have become “prayer warriors”.

“Each day, we uncover new revelations of moments and circumstances that kept her alive,” the family said. “God has heard our prayers and wrapped Sophia in His healing embrace.”

The Forchas family urged continued prayers for Sophia and all affected by the tragedy, calling for faith-driven action: “Pray for peace, and when you pray, move your feet. Together, we can create a better tomorrow.”

Source: Fox News

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