The Minneapolis community is devastated after a g*nman opened f*re during a school Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church, ki**ing two children, just 8 and 10 years old, and injuring 18 others, most of them children. Their names have not yet been released, but the loss has shaken classmates, teachers, and families across the city.

Amid the grief, families are now sharing the stories of five young survivors whose resilience, bravery, and faith have inspired an outpouring of support.

Endre’s prayer before surgery

Endre Gunter, 13, was sitting in the pews when b*llets ripped through the stained-glass windows. Struck in the stomach, he was rushed to hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to save his life.

His mother, Danielle, described the moment first responders reached her son: “An officer rendered aid, hugged him, reassured him, and prayed with him before getting into the ambulance.”

Even in the face of life-thr**tening injuries, Endre stunned his family and medical team with a simple request. Before surgery, he asked his surgeon to pray with him. His family said that moment, and Endre’s courage, inspired the entire medical team.

“Endre showed strength and faith beyond his years,” they wrote. Now, their focus is on helping him “rebuild his life, his trust, and his confidence.”

Sophie’s fig.ht in the ICU

Sophie Forchas, 12, described as a “bright, kind, and full of life young girl,” was critically injured during the a**ack. Just two days earlier, she had posed happily for her first day of seventh grade.

Her family revealed she underwent emergency surgery and remains in the ICU. “Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult — but she is strong, and she is not alone,” relatives wrote in their fundraiser, which has raised over $192,000.

The heartbreak deepened when it was revealed her younger brother was also inside the church. Though unharmed physically, he witnessed the chaos and his sister’s fig.ht to survive.

Adding to the anguish, Sophie’s mother, a pediatric critical care nurse, was working at the hospital when victims arrived, only to realize her own daughter was among them.

Victor’s heroic sacrifice

Victor, 10, has been hailed as a hero after he threw himself on top of his friend, Weston Halsne, 10, shielding him from the g*nfire. He was struck in the back but survived.

“My friend Victor saved me,” Weston told reporters. “Because he laid on top of me, but he got h*t.”

Victor’s uncle said the boy’s sister was also injured in the a**ack, though details remain unclear. A fundraiser described his actions as selfless, saying he “helped to save many, but he and his sister were injured in the process.”

Now recovering in hospital, Victor faces a long road ahead, but his bravery has already become one of the most inspiring stories to emerge from the tragedy.

Lydia’s determination

Lydia Kaiser was also wounded while protecting her “little buddy,” a younger student she had been paired with to guide through the first week of school.

Her father, Harry Kaiser, the school’s gym teacher, stayed inside the church to secure the room and keep children safe, even as his daughter was rushed into surgery.

“Lydia is in very serious condition and has undergone an unimaginable surgery,” her family shared. Despite the gravity of her injuries, her actions have been described as protective and heroic.

Vivi’s strength through pain

At just nine years old, Vivi St Clair suffered multiple g*nshot wounds to her back and arm. She will live with b*llet fragments in her body for life.

Her mother, Malia, was working at the hospital when Vivi was brought in, only to discover her daughter was among the victims. Despite her condition, family and friends say Vivi has continued to smile and radiate sweetness.

“Despite her injuries, Vivi ran from the church to the school gym, where a police officer scooped her up and rushed her to an ambulance,” a family friend wrote.

Even in her hospital bed, Vivi has been talking about swimming at her grandmother’s pool in Arizona. It’s a reminder of the innocence stolen from her and her classmates. Her fundraiser describes her as brave, hopeful, and surrounded by love.

A community in shock

Police identified the shooter as Robin Westman, 23, who d**d by s**cide after f*ring into the congregation. Investigators are examining a manifesto and online posts for clues to a motive, while Minneapolis clings to hope for survivors whose courage and resilience stand as rare rays of light in a tragedy that has left an entire community grieving.