Victim of Minneapolis Catholic school shooting experiences ‘amazing’ recovery

Miraculous Recovery for Shooting Survivor

A 12-year-old girl, who suffered severe injuries during a tragic shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic Church, is now experiencing what her family describes as a “miraculous” recovery.

Sophia Fortus, a seventh grader, was among the children impacted by the violence that occurred at Announcement Church on August 27. She sustained the most critical injuries of those who survived.

In a statement, her family expressed, “Sophia is strong, brave, and unshakable in the fight for healing.” They mentioned that she has been moved to an inpatient rehabilitation program and is displaying signs of neurological recovery.

“Sophia is a miracle for surviving this horrific attack,” they added, emphasizing her progress as nothing short of miraculous.

Following the shooting, which claimed the lives of two children and injured 18 others, medical professionals were initially uncertain about Sophia’s chances of survival.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Walt Galicic noted that the bullet lodged in her brain was in a crucial area, requiring ongoing assessments for potential removal—a concern even ten days after the incident.

Dr. Galicic cautioned that extracting the bullet would involve passing through her normal brain tissue.

The surgical team had to remove the left half of Sophia’s skull to alleviate pressure inside her head.

Despite the grim outlook, she has made remarkable strides, regaining some nerve function in the past few weeks. Her family reported that she is now able to breathe independently.

Currently, Sophia has transitioned from intensive care to participating in rehabilitation programs focused on her recovery.

“She’s on a long road filled with extensive treatments, but her resilience continues to inspire hope at every turn,” her family said.

They added, “Sophia is winning! Your prayers are working,” expressing gratitude to their supporters.

This positive news has brought a sigh of relief for the family, who experienced a close call during the shooting. Remarkably, their nine-year-old son was also present in the church but was unharmed.