Mother of Injured Minneapolis Student Cared for Victims Unaware Her Daughter Was Among Them

A catastrophic event struck a Minneapolis Catholic school, critically injuring a student whose mother was on duty as a pediatric critical care nurse at the same hospital treating her.

A GoFundMe campaign has gathered over $117,000 in just a day for 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who had just started her seventh-grade year at Annunciation Catholic School. The incident occurred at the neighboring Annunciation Catholic Church.

The shooting affected 19 individuals, including 16 children. Tragically, two young victims, aged 8 and 10, succumbed to their injuries. Among the adult victims were three parishioners in their 80s, whom authorities expect to make a full recovery.

Sophia's mother hurried to her job in downtown Minneapolis to manage the surge of patients, not realizing initially that the attack had targeted her child's school and that her own daughter was seriously harmed.

Sophia's younger brother was present at the scene but fortunately was not physically hurt.

Although unscathed in body, he endured the trauma of witnessing the event and knowing his sister was gravely injured, which is a burden no child should bear.

Sophia underwent urgent surgery and remains under intensive care, starting her path to recovery.

Her future holds challenges and uncertainty, but Sophia's resilience and the support surrounding her are strong.

Father Timothy Sas from St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, where the Forchas family worships, shared his thoughts.

He noted that Sophia was a lifelong member of St. Mary's, growing up within the parish community alongside her extended family. Father Sas expressed deep gratitude for the widespread support.

An invitation was extended by Sas for a special prayer service at St. Mary's to be held on Wednesday at 6 p.m., dedicating it to Forchas and all those affected, including the students and staff of Annunciation Catholic School.