Who is Sophia Forchas? Minneapolis Seventh-Grader Critically Injured in Annunciation Church Shooting

Tragedy struck Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when a gunman opened fire during morning Mass. Among the victims was Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old seventh-grade student who is now fighting for her life.

Who is Sophia Forchas?

Sophia Forchas is a bright and kind young girl from Minneapolis. She attends Annunciation Catholic School, a parish-run pre-K through 8th grade institution. On the morning of the shooting, she was at Mass with her younger brother, who escaped unharmed but witnessed the horrifying events.

Injuries and Emergency Surgery

Sophia was struck in the head by gunfire, causing severe trauma and dangerous brain swelling. Doctors at Hennepin County Medical Center—where her mother works as a pediatric critical care nurse—performed a decompressive craniectomy. In this procedure, part of her skull was temporarily removed to relieve pressure on the brain and prevent further damage. She remains in critical condition in intensive care as her family and community pray for her recovery.

Family Background

Sophia’s family has deep roots in Minneapolis’ faith community. They are longtime members of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church. Her father, Thomas Forchas, launched a GoFundMe campaign to support her ongoing medical care, describing Sophia as “full of life and kindness.” Her mother, who was working in the ICU that morning, initially treated other young victims before the devastating discovery that her own daughter had been shot.

The Shooting

The attack was carried out by 23-year-old Robin Westman, who fired more than 116 rounds through the stained-glass windows of the church. The gunfire killed two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—and injured 18 others, including 15 children. Authorities recovered multiple firearms and more than 158 weapons from Westman’s home and ruled the attack a domestic terrorism incident and hate crime.

A Community in Mourning

The Minneapolis community is rallying around Sophia and other victims, emphasizing the need for stronger school safety, mental health resources, and community resilience. Faith groups and local leaders have organized vigils, prayers, and fundraising efforts to support families impacted by the tragedy.

Legacy of Hope

Sophia’s fight for survival represents the resilience of children caught in acts of senseless violence. Her story is a reminder of both the fragility of life and the strength of community in the face of unimaginable loss.