On the morning of August 27, 2025, tragedy struck Minneapolis during a back-to-school Mass at Annunciation Catholic School and Church, shattering the community’s sense of safety. A mass shooting claimed the lives of two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—and left approximately 18 others injured, most of them students. Among the critically wounded was 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, a seventh-grader who required immediate emergency surgery. The heartbreaking situation was compounded by the fact that Sophia’s mother, a pediatric ICU nurse at Hennepin County Medical Center, was already on duty that morning, treating incoming patients from the shooting, unaware that her own daughter had been critically injured. The moment she realized Sophia was among the victims marked an unimaginable personal and professional ordeal.
The Minneapolis community has been left reeling from the devastating incident. Families, students, and local leaders are grappling with grief while seeking ways to support the victims and each other in the wake of the violence.
Emergency responders and medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize the injured children. Sophia’s critical condition underscored the severity of the attack and highlighted the immense pressures faced by healthcare workers during mass casualty events.
Fundraising efforts quickly mobilized to assist Sophia and her family. GoFundMe campaigns and community donations have raised significant sums to cover medical expenses and provide support during her recovery.
The incident has reignited conversations around gun violence prevention. Local leaders and advocacy groups are calling for stronger safety measures in schools and increased mental health support to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns, the focus remains on healing and support. The collective response reflects both the resilience of Minneapolis residents and the urgent need for meaningful action to protect children and prevent such heartbreaking events from recurring.
