Sophia Forchas, a 12-year-old student shot during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, has been released from the hospital and returned home after an extended recovery that included surgery, rehabilitation and a public motorcade through her city.
Sophia was critically wounded when a bullet struck her in the head during the August attack at Annunciation Catholic School. Doctors once warned her family she was near death, and surgeons removed the left portion of her skull to manage swelling and protect her brain. Over the following weeks she underwent multiple procedures and rounds of intensive care before stabilizing and moving into rehab.
Authorities say Robert “Robin” Westman opened fire at the church, killing two students and injuring many others that day. Two children, Fletcher Merkel, 8, and Harper Moyoski, 10, were killed in the shooting. Reporting on the attacker noted disturbing writings that included antisemitic messages and other violent content, and commenters highlighted mental health concerns around the case.
Sophia spent roughly 57 days in the hospital, a stretch that included time at a rehab facility where therapists worked with her on basic functions and recovery milestones. Her condition improved from critical to serious as doctors saw signs of progress and she regained enough strength to be discharged. She has now left inpatient care and returned home to continue recovery with family support.
Her homecoming was marked by a citywide show of support that included a white limousine and a police motorcade escort. Residents lined streets to cheer as the convoy passed, and the moments were captured and shared on social media. After her hospital discharge, community members and first responders made clear how moved they were by her resilience and the collective relief at her return.
A 12-year-old girl who doctors said was on the brink of death after being shot in the head this summer while praying with classmates of Annunciation Catholic School was greeted by dozens of cheering residents Thursday as a white limousine led by a police motorcade carried her through Minneapolis.
After 57 days in the hospital that included rehabilitation and the left half of her skull being removed to treat the swelling in her brain, Sophia Forchas was escorted through the streets of the city, a by Mayor Jacob Frey on social media Thursday showed.
The August 27 shooting she survived at the Church of Annunciation during the first week of classes left two children dead and 20 others injured. Students dove for cover under pews as the shooter opened fire through stained glass windows and worshippers were blocked from escaping through some of the doors, which had been barricaded by two-by-fours.
On her way home Sophia stopped back at Hennepin Healthcare to visit staff who had cared for her, showing the hospital team how far she had come. In a post on Facebook, Hennepin Healthcare wrote, “Today, Sophia stopped by to visit us on her way HOME after a month of rehab at Gillette Children’s. She was escorted by Minneapolis Police Department and our colleagues at Hennepin EMS. She has inspired so many of us, and this day is truly a reason to celebrate #SophiaStrong!”
Sophia also returned to her school to see friends and classmates, and the community reunited for an emotional meeting that was shared on social channels. Those videos showed students, teachers and families embracing and celebrating small steps that felt enormous after such a traumatic event. The school and local residents described the reunion as heartfelt and full of relief.
Medical teams emphasized how complex Sophia’s care was, with neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists and therapists coordinating to support cognitive and physical healing. Removing part of the skull is a drastic but sometimes necessary move to relieve pressure on a swelling brain, and her recovery path included regaining motor skills, communication and daily routines. That long process will continue at home with outpatient therapy and support.
Throughout her recovery the story drew attention both for the tragedy of the shooting and for Sophia’s progress, which many called miraculous. She was the last survivor to leave the hospital after the attack, and her release coincided with a birthday milestone as friends and family prepared to celebrate her 13th birthday. Community members and first responders praised her courage and the work of the medical teams who treated her.
