More than 100 people gathered outside the children's ward at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis to pray for the recovery of children injured in a school shooting. The vigil took place on Thursday night, following a tragic incident at Annunciation Catholic School earlier in the week. Attendees included teachers, students, nurses, and police officers who responded to the call for support over dispatch radios.

The vigil was marked by a moment of silence, reflecting a collective sense of grief and hope. A flyer for the event stated, "This is every nurse/mother’s worst nightmare, and worst fear come true. We’d like anyone who is interested to come join us to 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 remains in critical condition after surgery. The shooting has deeply affected her family; her younger brother was inside the school during the attack, and her mother is a pediatric nurse at the same hospital where Sophia is being treated.

Father Timothy Sas of St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church shared the heartbreaking story of Sophia’s mother. "Sofia's mother was called into work, and only to find out when she arrived that her daughter was one of the victims, unfortunately," he said. He described Sophia as "luminous" and "bright," noting her active participation in school and church activities. He added, "She’s pulled through, and we need about two, three days before they can understand what her future prognosis is."

The shooting occurred during Wednesday morning Mass when a gunman opened fire through the church windows, resulting in the deaths of two children: 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski. In total, 18 people were injured, including 15 children. Authorities have stated that all injured victims are expected to survive.

The shooter, a 23-year-old man who had previously attended the school, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive for the shooting remains under investigation.