by Minneapolis, Minnesota – A heartbreaking story has emerged from the aftermath of Wednesday morning’s mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in South Minneapolis, where 18 people were injured and two children lost their lives. Among the victims was 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was critically wounded and rushed to the hospital where her own mother works as a pediatric intensive care nurse.
Tragedy Strikes During Morning Mass
The shooting unfolded on August 27, 2025, when authorities say 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire through the church’s windows during morning Mass. The attack left two young children, ages 8 and 10, dead and wounded 18 others.
Police confirmed that 15 of the victims were children, and though many suffered serious injuries, all are expected to survive. Three elderly parishioners in their 80s were also among those shot.
According to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, Westman was heavily armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol when he began the assault. Authorities have not released a clear motive for the tragedy.
A Nurse Mother’s Worst Nightmare
Amid the chaos, Sophia Forchas, a seventh grader at the school affiliated with the parish, was critically injured. A GoFundMe campaign launched by friends and community members revealed that Sophia’s mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, had already arrived for her hospital shift that morning.
She soon discovered the unimaginable — her own daughter was being rushed into the ICU where she worked.
According to the fundraiser, Sophia underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition in the pediatric ICU. “Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone,” the campaign reads.
Sophia’s Brother Also Inside the School
According to PEOPLE, Sophia’s younger brother was also inside the church school during the shooting. While he was not physically harmed, the campaign emphasizes the emotional trauma he experienced after witnessing the attack and learning his sister had been gravely wounded.
“Though he was physically unharmed, the trauma of witnessing such a terrifying event — and knowing his sister was critically injured — is something no child should ever experience,” organizers wrote.
Support From Faith and Community
The Forchas family, longtime members of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis, has received an outpouring of support from their congregation and the broader community.
Father Timothy Sas, who spent much of the day with Sophia’s family at the hospital, confirmed her condition in a statement on the church’s Facebook page. He described Sophia as a child “born and raised in our parish, immersed in the life of the Church together with her extended family of several generations who are devoted members of our congregation.”
Hospital Confirms Mother-Daughter Connection
In response to inquiries, Hennepin Healthcare confirmed that Sophia’s mother is an employee in the pediatric intensive care unit — the same unit where her daughter is now receiving treatment.
The emotional toll has been immense for the family, but community members continue to rally behind them. The GoFundMe page lists Sophia’s father, Thomas Forchas, as a co-organizer of the fundraiser.
GoFundMe Surpasses $200,000 in Donations
As of Thursday afternoon, the campaign has already raised more than $200,000 to help cover Sophia’s medical bills, recovery costs, and counseling services for both her and her brother. The money will also assist the family with additional expenses as they navigate the long road ahead.
Organizers expressed gratitude to donors, writing: “The support from friends, neighbors, and even strangers across the country is helping this family find hope amid unimaginable tragedy.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. Westman was quickly taken into custody at the scene and is expected to face multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder. Police are also working to determine whether the church or school had been specifically targeted.
Related: Hundreds Gather in Richfield to Honor Children Killed in Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting
Community Calls for Healing
The shooting has left South Minneapolis shaken, with parents, educators, and faith leaders calling for unity, healing, and stronger protections for children in schools and places of worship.
FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass emphasized that ensuring safety for children remains the top priority for law enforcement. “We will never stop fighting for families,” he said in a statement.
As Sophia fights for recovery, her story stands as a heartbreaking example of the personal toll mass shootings continue to take on American families.
What are your thoughts on how Minnesota and the nation can better protect children from senseless acts of violence? Share your views in the comments below or join the discussion on ibwhsmag.com.
