The tragedy that struck the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, remains one of the darkest days in the city’s history. What began as a peaceful morning Mass filled with songs and prayers for nearly 200 children turned into chaos when gunfire shattered the stillness. Two young students lost their lives, several others were wounded, and an entire community was left searching for answers — and hope.
But from the heartbreak, one story has come to symbolize resilience and grace: the miraculous recovery of 12-year-old Sophia Forchas.
It was a bright Wednesday morning meant to celebrate the start of a new school year. Children filled the pews of the Church of the Annunciation, singing hymns with their teachers and priests. But just minutes into the service, the sound of hymns was replaced by gunfire. Panic swept through the sanctuary. Teachers and clergy threw themselves over the children to protect them. When the shots stopped, two children were gone — and Sophia lay motionless near the front pew, struck by a bullet in the head.
“She was barely breathing,” recalled paramedic Luis Mendoza, one of the first responders. “But she still had a pulse. That was enough for us to keep fighting.”
Sophia was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where trauma teams prepared for emergency surgery. The bullet had lodged deep in her skull, causing massive swelling. Neurosurgeon Dr. Walt Galicich led the procedure. “The first 24 hours were critical,” he said. “We weren’t sure she’d survive the night.”
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