12-Year-Old Lydia Kaiser, Who Was Injured Protecting Another Child During Minnesota Catholic Church Shooting, Speaks Out About Recovery and the Anger That Drives Her Healing
Twelve-year-old Lydia Kaiser never imagined her courage would become national news. Nearly two months after being injured during the tragic shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic Church on August 27, the young girl is finally speaking out — and her words are as powerful as her bravery.
Lydia was among more than a dozen people hurt when violence broke out during a Sunday service, leaving two people dead and a community forever changed. But even in the chaos, Lydia’s instinct was to protect someone else. According to her family and witnesses, she shielded another child when gunfire erupted — an act that doctors say likely saved a life, even as it left her with serious head injuries.
In an emotional update shared through a GoFundMe page on October 16, Lydia expressed gratitude for the flood of love and support she’s received, but she didn’t shy away from describing the emotional toll of what happened. “I’m angry,” she wrote. “I’m angry that this happened to me, that it happened to my friends, that it happened at our church. It’s not fair. But I’m also thankful to still be here.”
Lydia’s words come from a place of honesty that only someone who has faced unimaginable fear could express. She has undergone multiple surgeries since the shooting, and her recovery has been long and painful. Her family says she’s showing incredible resilience — walking again, returning to school part-time, and slowly getting back to the life she loves. Photos shared by relatives show her smiling alongside her dog, her spirit shining through despite visible scars and a partially shaved head from her surgery.
Her mother, Anna Kaiser, wrote that the community’s support has been “overwhelming in the best way.” From neighbors dropping off meals to strangers sending handwritten letters, Lydia’s story has united people across Minnesota and beyond. “The kindness we’ve seen reminds us there’s still so much good in the world,” Anna said. “Lydia’s bravery is inspiring people everywhere.”
Doctors at the hospital where Lydia was treated have called her recovery remarkable. She suffered a skull fracture and required emergency surgery but pulled through thanks to quick medical attention and what her family calls “pure determination.” Lydia has now returned to light physical therapy and has even started spending time outdoors again with friends and her beloved chocolate Labrador.
Still, as she continues to heal, Lydia’s anger lingers — not out of bitterness, but out of a desire for change. “No kid should ever have to go through this,” she wrote. “I just want to feel safe again.” Those words, simple but profound, have struck a chord with thousands of people who’ve donated to her recovery fund and shared her message online.
Lydia’s story stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the strength children can show even in the darkest moments. Her courage during the attack — and her willingness to speak out now — have made her a symbol of both resilience and the deep need for compassion in the face of violence.
As her community continues to heal, Lydia’s family says their focus is on gratitude. “We thank God every day that she’s alive,” her father shared in an interview. “She’s our hero — not just because of what she did, but because of how she’s handling everything after.”
Lydia’s road to recovery is far from over, but she’s walking it with determination, grace, and a sense of purpose that belies her age. Her voice, strong and clear despite everything she’s endured, reminds us that even in tragedy, courage can light the way forward.
