On September 23, 2025, it was reported that the girl shot in the head during the Minneapolis Annunciation Catholic school shooting last month is making a “miraculous” recovery. The incident occurred on August 27, when a gunman opened fire during a church service, killing two children and injuring 15 others, including 12-year-old Sophia Forchas.
- Sophia making miraculous neurological recovery after shooting
- Shooting occurred during mass at Annunciation Catholic Church
- Two children and three adults injured, two children died
- Bullet lodged in Sophia’s brain, surgery delayed due to risks
- Family praises prayers and miraculous progress in her healing
- Extensive therapy and recovery journey still ahead
Sophia, a seventh grader, was struck in the head when a bullet lodged in her brain’s right occipital lobe. Initially, her survival chances appeared slim, with doctors warning she was near death. Ten days after the attack, she was able to breathe independently and showed signs of neurological improvement. Surgeons performed a decompressive craniectomy, removing part of her skull to allow brain swelling. Her family described her progress as “nothing short of miraculous,” and she is expected to leave acute care this week for inpatient rehabilitation. Her mother, a healthcare assistant at Hennepin Healthcare, arrived at work unaware her daughter was wounded. A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $1 million to cover her medical expenses. Her father praised her kindness, intelligence, and resilience, emphasizing her innocence and the trauma she endured witnessing the attack. Sophia’s 9-year-old brother was present during the shooting but remained physically unharmed; however, the emotional impact remains significant.
- Continue monitoring Sophia’s neurological progress through regular assessments.
- Provide ongoing psychological support for her and her family to address trauma.
- Ensure funding efforts sustain her long-term rehabilitation needs.
- Promote safety measures at religious and community events to prevent future violence.
The next phase involves extensive therapy to restore her functions fully. Her case underscores the importance of community and medical support in recovery from such traumatic events, with her progress offering hope amid ongoing challenges.
