Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas is recovering in intensive care after being critically injured in the mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in South Minneapolis on August 27.
According to a GoFundMe campaign, Sophia was among the 18 people wounded when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during morning Mass, killing an 8-year-old and a 10-year-old.
Fifteen of the injured were children, while three elderly parishioners in their 80s were also hurt. Police said all survivors are expected to recover.
Sophia, a seventh grader at Annunciation Catholic School, underwent emergency surgery and remains in the ICU. Her mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, was working at the same hospital when her daughter was rushed in.
“Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone,” the fundraiser states.
Her younger brother was also inside the school during the shooting. While physically unharmed, the campaign says he endured the trauma of witnessing the attack and knowing his sister was gravely injured.
Father Timothy Sas of St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church confirmed Sophia’s treatment at Hennepin County Medical Centre, saying she was “born and raised in our St Mary’s parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations.”
Authorities said Westman was armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. Police believe they have insights into his motive.
Source: People.
