UPDATE: A 12-year-old survivor of a devastating school shooting has returned home after an extraordinary 57 days in the hospital. Sophia Forchas, who was critically injured after being shot in the head while praying with classmates at Annunciation Catholic School, received a warm welcome from residents and officials in Minneapolis on Thursday.
A white limousine, escorted by a police motorcade, transported Sophia through the city streets, greeted by dozens of cheering supporters. Mayor Jacob Frey shared the emotional moment on social media, saying, “Welcome home, Sophia. Minneapolis loves you.”
On August 27, tragedy struck as the shooter opened fire during the first week of classes, resulting in the deaths of two children aged 8 and 10, and injuring 20 others. Students were forced to take cover under pews as chaos unfolded, with escape routes blocked. Remarkably, Sophia’s brother was present that day but survived unharmed.
Sophia’s recovery journey has been nothing short of miraculous. After undergoing surgery that involved removing part of her skull to alleviate swelling, she made significant progress, eventually breathing on her own. Her family expressed their gratitude in a statement, emphasizing her fierce determination to recover, saying, “The road ahead for Sophia is steep, but she is climbing it with fierce determination.”
On her discharge day, Sophia visited Hennepin Healthcare to thank the first responders who cared for her. Hospital staff greeted her with a heartfelt banner reading “Sophia Strong,” celebrating her incredible journey. “She has inspired so many of us, and this day is truly a reason to celebrate,” the hospital stated.
Sophia’s return home comes just in time for her upcoming 13th birthday, further underscoring the emotional significance of this moment for her family and community. This uplifting development has sparked widespread joy, showcasing the resilience of a young girl who has captured the hearts of many.
As the community continues to rally around Sophia, her story serves as a powerful reminder of hope and recovery in the face of unimaginable adversity.
