Minneapolis, MN — A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in South Minneapolis on Wednesday, August 27, left two children dead and 18 others injured, most of them young students attending morning Mass. The suspected gunman, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, allegedly fired through the church’s windows with multiple firearms during the service.
Children Among the Victims
Authorities confirmed that the two children killed were 8 and 10 years old. Police said 15 of the 18 injured were children, with three parishioners in their 80s also struck by gunfire.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that while the injuries are serious, all survivors are expected to recover.
The attacker was reported to be armed with a rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol when he opened fire.
A Nurse’s Worst Nightmare
One of the injured victims, 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, was critically wounded and rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center, where her mother works as a pediatric intensive care nurse. According to a GoFundMe campaign and People, Sophia’s mother had already reported to work before learning that her daughter had been shot at her school.
“Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone,” the campaign notes.
Sophia underwent emergency surgery and remains in the ICU, fighting for recovery.
The Impact on Her Family
The fundraiser revealed that Sophia’s younger brother was also present during the attack. While he was not physically harmed, the campaign described the emotional toll:
“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.”
The campaign also stated that Sophia’s family, who are long-time parishioners at St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, have deep community ties.
Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary’s confirmed Sophia’s condition in a statement, writing:
“Sophia was 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.”
Community Support and Fundraising
The GoFundMe campaign has raised over $200,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The funds will support:
- Sophia’s ongoing medical care and recovery
- Trauma counseling for her and her brother
- Other family expenses during her long recovery journey
Hennepin Healthcare also confirmed Sophia’s mother is employed in the same pediatric ICU where her daughter now fights for her life.
Remembering the Victims
This tragedy underscores the devastating impact of gun violence on schools and places of worship. While the community mourns the loss of two young lives, it also rallies around survivors like Sophia, offering financial, emotional, and spiritual support.
The investigation into the shooter’s motive remains ongoing. For now, the focus in Minneapolis is on healing and supporting the families whose lives were forever changed on that August morning.
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