A quiet Thursday afternoon at Minneapolis's historic Cathedral of the Annunciation turned to terror when a lone gunman opened fire, leaving one woman dead and two others injured in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack.
The violence erupted around 1:15 PM local time during a church event, sending parishioners scrambling for safety as multiple shots echoed through the sacred space. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has identified the deceased victim as 35-year-old Sophia Forchas, who succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Chaos in the Cathedral
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as the shooting unfolded. "We heard popping sounds and people started screaming," one witness told local media. "Everyone was running, trying to find cover. It was absolute chaos in a place where you're supposed to feel safe."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara confirmed that two additional victims were transported to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Their current conditions remain stable, though the psychological impact on the entire congregation is expected to be profound.
Massive Police Response
Law enforcement descended on the cathedral immediately following the shooting, cordoning off several blocks in the Loring Park neighbourhood. The Minneapolis Police Department has launched a full-scale investigation, though authorities remain tight-lipped about potential suspects or motives.
"We are pursuing several strong leads," Chief O'Hara stated during a press conference. "This appears to be a targeted incident rather than a random act of violence. We're asking anyone with information to come forward immediately."
Community in Mourning
The Cathedral of the Annunciation, a landmark in Minneapolis's Catholic community, has stood for over a century. Parish leaders have announced crisis counselling services will be available for traumatised congregation members.
"Our hearts are broken today," said Archbishop Bernard Hebda in an emotional statement. "We pray for the victims and their families, and we ask for the community's support as we navigate this unimaginable tragedy."
The investigation continues as police scour surveillance footage and interview witnesses in their hunt for the shooter who violated this place of worship.
