On Thursday night, over 100 people gathered outside the children's ward of the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis to offer their prayers and support for the young victims recovering from a tragic shooting incident. This gathering followed the horrific events at Annunciation Catholic School earlier in the week, where a shooter opened fire during a morning Mass, leaving the community in shock.
Teachers, students, nurses, and police officers joined together for a candlelight vigil, demonstrating a profound sense of unity and resilience in the face of such a devastating act. Many participants reported hearing about the vigil through their dispatch radios, prompting their attendance. One flyer for the vigil expressed the sentiment, “This is every nurse/mother’s worst nightmare, and worst fear come true.” The message encouraged anyone interested to come and "light up Minneapolis with candlelight, love, and support for the kids, their families, and our staff."
Among the victims is 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who is currently in critical condition following surgery. The tragedy has deeply impacted her entire family; her younger brother was present at Annunciation Catholic School during the shooting, and her mother works as a pediatric nurse at the hospital where Sophia was admitted. Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church spoke with ABC News about the difficult situation, revealing that Sophia's mother was called into work only to discover upon arrival that her daughter was one of the victims. "No priest is ever prepared enough to offer consolation for a moment like this," he reflected.
The gunfire erupted during the morning Mass, tragically claiming the lives of two children: Fletcher Merkel, an 8-year-old boy, and Harper Moyski, a 10-year-old girl. In total, 18 people were injured, including 15 children. Fortunately, police have confirmed that all injured victims are expected to survive, although eight individuals remain hospitalized. Minneapolis Community Safety Commissioner Todd Barnette praised the courage of the children who shielded their friends from gunfire, as well as the school and faith leaders who rushed to the scene without regard for their own safety.
Authorities reported that the 23-year-old shooter, who had previously attended the school, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Currently, a motive for the shooting remains unclear. Minneapolis Police Assistant Chief Christopher Gaiters indicated that there has been communication with the shooter's mother, although details have not been disclosed.
This tragic event has shaken the Minneapolis community to its core, igniting a wave of support for the victims and their families while raising questions about safety in schools and the impact of gun violence on innocent lives.
