A 12-year-old girl who survived a gunshot to the head during a school massacre in Minneapolis has returned home after 57 days in the hospital, marking a miraculous recovery that inspired her community. Sophia Forchas was discharged on October 23 and escorted through the city by a police motorcade, greeted by cheering residents and Mayor Jacob Frey, who welcomed her home in a social media post.
The shooting occurred on August 27 at the Church of Annunciation, where students were praying during the first week of classes. A gunman opened fire through stained glass windows, and some doors were barricaded with two-by-fours, trapping worshippers inside. The attack left two children dead, aged 8 and 10, and 20 others injured, making it one of the deadliest school shootings in recent memory. Sophia was shot in the head and initially in critical condition, with doctors fearing for her life.
After the shooting, Sophia was rushed to Hennepin Healthcare, where her mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, was working that day unaware her children’s school was involved. She underwent surgery to remove the left half of her skull to alleviate brain swelling, a procedure that saved her life but left her with a long road to recovery. Over the following weeks, she showed gradual improvement, eventually breathing on her own and moving to rehabilitation at Gillette Children’s Hospital.
Her recovery was described as “miraculous” by her family, who noted her fierce determination and the outpouring of support from the community. In September, she began making significant strides, surprising medical professionals with her progress. The family emphasized that Sophia was fighting not just for herself but for everyone who prayed for her during the ordeal, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges she overcame.
On the day of her discharge, Sophia was taken to Hennepin Healthcare to thank the first responders and staff who cared for her. Photos released by the hospital showed her being hugged by employees and holding a blue sign that read “Sophia Strong,” symbolizing the resilience that inspired many. The hospital stated that her homecoming was a reason to celebrate and that she had touched countless lives, underscoring the dedication of healthcare workers in her journey.
The community mobilization was evident as people lined the streets with signs and balloons to welcome Sophia home. Mayor Frey, who participated in the motorcade, spent time with her family and expressed his thrill at seeing her return. The event highlighted the city’s solidarity and the impact of gun violence on young lives, with many viewing Sophia’s survival as a beacon of hope amid tragedy.
Sophia’s return home comes just in time for her upcoming 13th birthday, adding a personal milestone to her journey. Her family spokesperson noted that the road ahead remains steep, but she continues to climb it with courage. The story underscores the broader issues of school safety and gun control, as communities grapple with preventing such tragedies in the future and supporting survivors like Sophia.