Minn. Nurse Mom Was Working at Hospital When Daughter Arrived After School Sho.oting.

Twelve-year-old Sophia Forchas, who was critically injured in the August 27 shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, has been released from the hospital. Her parents called Thursday, October 23, “one of the most extraordinary days of our lives.”

Sophia suffered the most severe wounds among the surviving children. The attack occurred during morning Mass as students celebrated the first week of school, leaving two children dead and 21 others injured, including 18 kids.

In a heartfelt statement, Sophia’s parents, Amy and Thomas Forchas, expressed deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff who helped save their daughter. They described the medical team’s care as “world-class” and said they would never forget their dedication.

They added that Sophia’s recovery continues through outpatient therapy, with steady progress in speech and mobility. Her personality is re-emerging, and she has even started walking, swimming, and dribbling a basketball again.

The Forchas family also thanked the community for its prayers and support, while remembering the victims and families still grieving. “Even in this joy, our hearts remain tender,” they said, praying for those who lost their lives and those forever changed.

A video shared by Catholic Spirit showed Sophia returning to the hospital, greeted by staff holding “Sophia Strong” banners and birthday wishes ahead of her 13th birthday. She arrived in a limousine with a police escort.

Sophia’s neurosurgeon revealed that the bullet remains lodged in her brain. A GoFundMe for her recovery has raised over $1 million so far.