Cautious optimism for 12-year-old Sophia Forchas after Minneapolis church shooting, doctors report signs of recovery amid critical injuries.

Published Time: 09-06-2025, 17:15 U.S.

Doctors treating 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was critically injured in the Minneapolis church shooting on August 27, say there are “rays of hope” in her recovery. While her condition remains grave, her family and medical team are holding on to signs of progress as communities worldwide continue offering prayers and support.

Doctors See Glimmers of Recovery

At a press conference on Friday, neurosurgeon Dr. Walt Galicich of Hennepin Healthcare offered a cautious but hopeful update on Sophia’s condition. The young girl suffered a devastating brain injury when a bullet struck her during the mass shooting at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis.

Dr. Galicich explained that the bullet remains lodged in her brain and caused extensive damage, including to a major blood vessel. To manage swelling, surgeons removed part of her skull.

“If you had told me at this juncture, 10 days later, that we’d be standing here with any ray of hope, I would have said it would take a miracle,” Dr. Galicich said.

He added that Sophia is showing small but encouraging signs, including opening her eyes and moving her right leg, though she is still not responding to commands.

A Family’s Resilience

Sophia’s father, Tom Forchas, described his daughter as “kind, brilliant, and full of life.” He shared the emotional toll of the tragedy, noting that Sophia was attacked while in prayer at her school’s first Mass of the year.

Her 9-year-old brother was also in the church during the attack but was unharmed.

Tom praised his wife, Amy, a pediatric critical care nurse who has remained by Sophia’s bedside since the shooting. He also expressed gratitude for the medical team’s dedication and the overwhelming global support.

“Sophia has received prayers from across the globe,” he said. “From Oslo to Johannesburg, Sydney to Santiago, Vietnam to Canada, Mount Athos in Greece to right here in Minneapolis. The courage, compassion, and love of everyone helping us through this nightmare is carrying us forward.”

Global Prayers and Local Support

Sophia’s story has resonated far beyond Minnesota, with millions offering prayers and messages of solidarity. Her father described this wave of compassion as “nothing short of miraculous.”

The family continues to rely on faith, community, and the dedication of healthcare workers as Sophia battles for recovery.

“Sophia is strong. Sophia is fighting. And Sophia is going to win this fight for all of humanity,” Tom said.

The Shooting and Its Aftermath

The shooting occurred on August 27 at the Church of the Annunciation, where students from Annunciation Catholic School had gathered for Mass to mark the start of the school year.

Two students were killed, and 21 people were injured in the attack. Authorities confirmed that the shooter died by suicide at the scene.

Sophia remains the most critically injured among the survivors, and her recovery is expected to be long and uncertain.

Calls for Action

In response to the tragedy, students across Minnesota and other U.S. cities organized walkouts on Friday. The demonstrations, coordinated by Students Demand Action, urged lawmakers at both the state and federal levels to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.

In St. Paul, protesters gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol, calling for stronger gun safety measures and highlighting the ongoing toll of gun violence on communities and schools.

Looking Ahead

For now, Sophia’s doctors emphasize that her recovery will unfold slowly and unpredictably. While the damage is severe, her youth may work in her favor.

“It’s day by day, and I can’t tell you how this is going to end,” Dr. Galicich said. “But we’re a little more optimistic that she’s going to survive.”

As her family, friends, and communities around the world continue to rally behind her, Sophia’s story stands as both a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the urgent conversations surrounding safety, faith, and healing.