On the morning of August 27, 2025, a tragedy unfolded at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where a mass shooting during a school Mass left two children dead and 18 others injured. Among the wounded was 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, a seventh-grader whose life was forever altered by a bullet that necessitated emergency surgery, including the removal of part of her skull. In a heart-wrenching twist, Sophia was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, the very hospital where her mother works as a pediatric critical care nurse. The incident, which occurred during the first week of the school year, has shaken the Minneapolis community, prompting vigils, calls for gun reform, and an outpouring of support for Sophia and her family.
The shooting took place at approximately 8:30 a.m., as students and parishioners gathered for a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, which shares its campus with Annunciation Catholic School, serving preschool through eighth grade. The assailant, a 23-year-old former student of the school named Robin Westman, fired through the church’s narrow stained-glass windows, targeting the children and adults inside. Armed with a legally purchased rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman barricaded two exits with wooden two-by-fours, indicating premeditation. The attack claimed the lives of 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski, while 15 children and three elderly parishioners were among the injured. Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leaving investigators scrambling to uncover a motive.
Sophia Forchas, described by her parish priest as a “luminous” and “bright” student active in Sunday school and dance, was among those critically wounded. A bullet struck her, causing severe head trauma that required immediate surgical intervention. At Hennepin County Medical Center, doctors performed a craniotomy, removing one side of her skull to alleviate dangerous swelling in her brain. The procedure, while life-saving, carries significant risks, and Sophia’s family was informed that further surgery might be necessary. Should additional skull removal be required, her survival is likely, but her quality of life remains uncertain. As of September 3, 2025, Sophia remains in critical condition in the pediatric ICU, surrounded by her family and supported by a medical team fighting to stabilize her.
The emotional weight of the tragedy was compounded for Sophia’s mother, a dedicated nurse in the same ICU where her daughter was admitted. On that fateful morning, she had arrived at work to assist with an influx of trauma patients, unaware that her own daughter’s school had been attacked. The realization that Sophia was among the critically injured victims added a layer of personal devastation to an already harrowing day. Sophia’s younger brother, also present during the shooting, escaped physical injury but carries the emotional scars of witnessing the chaos and knowing his sister was gravely hurt. The family, active members of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, has leaned on their faith and community for support, with their priest, Father Timothy Sas, spending hours at the hospital with them, offering prayers and comfort.
The Minneapolis community has rallied around Sophia and the other victims. A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Sophia’s father, Thomas Forchas, has raised nearly $700,000 to cover medical expenses and support her long recovery. The fundraiser describes Sophia as a kind and vibrant girl whose strength is evident even in the face of such adversity. “Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult—but she is strong, and she is not alone,” the page states. Across the city, vigils have been held, including a candlelight gathering on August 28 outside Hennepin County Medical Center’s children’s ward, where over 100 people, including teachers, nurses, and police officers, united in a moment of silence. The memorial outside Annunciation Catholic Church has grown with flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes, including one from Fletcher Merkel’s mother that reads, “I love you always and forever.”
Stories of bravery have emerged from the tragedy, painting a picture of resilience amid horror. Witnesses recounted children shielding one another, with one student, 10-year-old Weston Halsne, crediting his friend Victor for taking a bullet to the back while protecting him. Another injured student, 13-year-old Endre Gunter, showed remarkable courage, asking his surgeon to pray with him before undergoing emergency surgery for a stomach wound. Lydia Kaiser, whose father is the school’s gym teacher, was injured while protecting a younger student and is now recovering in serious condition. These acts of heroism, alongside the swift response of first responders and medical staff, likely prevented an even greater loss of life.
The shooter’s motivations remain under investigation, but authorities have revealed disturbing details about Westman’s mindset. Writings found by investigators indicate a deep-seated hatred toward various groups, including racial, religious, and political communities, as well as an obsession with previous mass shooters. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara described Westman’s actions as driven by a desire for “notoriety,” noting that she fired indiscriminately through the church windows, unable to see her targets. Her mother, a former employee of the parish, has not responded to police inquiries, and no specific grievance tied to the school has been identified. The discovery of a smoke bomb and over 100 rounds of ammunition at the scene underscores the calculated nature of the attack.
The shooting has reignited national debates about gun violence, particularly in schools. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, visibly emotional, condemned the attack as an “act of evil,” emphasizing that the children were “literally praying” when the gunfire erupted. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, expressed heartbreak and called for action to address the epidemic of gun violence. Senator Amy Klobuchar shared a personal connection, noting that a former staffer’s daughter witnessed friends being shot during the attack. Activists from groups like Moms Demand Action have demanded bans on assault weapons, framing gun violence as a public health crisis. The incident, occurring just a year after a deadly school shooting in Georgia, has amplified calls for legislative reform, though political divides continue to stall progress.
For the Forchas family, the focus remains on Sophia’s recovery. Her mother, despite her professional role, has stepped back from directly treating her daughter, instead offering maternal support through prayers and presence. Father Sas described the family as deeply rooted in their faith, with generations of involvement in their church community. A special prayer service was held at St. Mary’s on August 27, inviting the public to join in praying for Sophia and all victims. The family has expressed gratitude for the global outpouring of support, with messages and donations pouring in from around the world.
The broader impact on Annunciation Catholic School and its community is profound. Principal Matt DeBoer, in a tearful address, apologized to students and families, urging collective action to prevent future tragedies. The school, known for its faith-based curriculum and community engagement, including a sister school in Haiti, now faces the challenge of healing while ensuring safety. Parents like Zach Semon, whose 4-year-old daughter was unharmed, expressed confidence in the school but voiced the collective trauma of knowing children now fear for their lives in places meant to be sanctuaries.
Sophia’s story, while one of pain, also embodies hope. Her survival, bolstered by her mother’s proximity and the expertise of Hennepin County Medical Center’s staff, is a testament to the resilience of both individuals and communities. As Minneapolis mourns Fletcher and Harper, the bravery of children like Sophia, Victor, and Endre serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity. The road ahead for Sophia is uncertain, but her family’s faith, the community’s support, and her own courage offer a beacon of light in the aftermath of darkness. As the nation grapples with yet another school shooting, Sophia’s fight for recovery underscores the urgent need for change, so that no child must endure such trauma again.
