Sophia Forchas Could Be '3rd Fatality' In Annunciation Shooting, But Surgeon Sees ‘Rays of Hope’

TWIN CITIES, MN — Doctors treating 12-year-old Sophia Forchas say she remains in critical condition after last week’s Annunciation Catholic Church shooting, warning she could become the third fatality from the attack. But for the first time since the tragedy, they also spoke of "rays of hope" in her recovery.

At a press conference on Friday, neurosurgeon Dr. Walt Galicich said Sophia was shot in the head and underwent emergency surgery that removed half of her skull to relieve pressure.

Ten days later, he said her brain swelling has been managed, and she is beginning to open her eyes and show purposeful movement.

"She’s still in critical condition in the intensive care unit. There’s a chance she may be the third fatality of this event," Galicich said. "But the door has been opened a little bit, and there are rays of hope shining through."

Sophia’s father, Tom Forchas, called his daughter "kind, brilliant, and full of life" and thanked first responders, doctors, and his wife, who has not left Sophia’s side.

He urged people to continue praying while also taking action, saying: "When you pray, move your feet."

The Forchas family also extended condolences to the families of Harper Moyski, 10, and Fletcher Merkel, 8, the two children killed in the Sept. 4 attack.

• Find Sophia's GoFundMe here.

Watch the entire news conference here, courtesy of FOX 9.