The child, identified only as Daniel, has undergone multiple surgeries and remains in intensive care, while a GoFundMe campaign for his recovery has already raised more than $50,000.

In the wake of the devastating mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, one survivor’s quiet plea has captured the nation’s heart.

A 13-year-old boy, gravely wounded in the attack that left two children dead and 18 others injured, stunned doctors with a simple request before undergoing emergency surgery:

“Can you say a prayer with me?” His words, shared by the medical team treating him, have become a rallying cry of resilience amid tragedy.

The boy, whose family asked that his first name only — Daniel — be used for privacy, was among the youngest victims rushed to Hennepin Healthcare after 23-year-old shooter Robin Westman stormed the Catholic school Wednesday morning.

Shot in the abdomen, Daniel was conscious when he arrived at the trauma unit, clinging to life as doctors prepared him for surgery.

A nurse described the moment: “He grabbed the doctor’s hand, and instead of crying or panicking, he said, ‘Can you pray with me before you do this?’ The entire room froze. It was one of the most human moments I’ve ever seen.”

The story spread quickly through the hospital staff and into the community, where it sparked an outpouring of emotion.

Within 24 hours, a GoFundMe campaign set up by Daniel’s aunt had raised more than $50,000 to cover his mounting medical expenses and support his family while he recovers.

Thousands of donors, many from across the country who had never met him, left heartfelt messages. One note read, “Your courage and faith are stronger than this evil. We are all praying with you.”

Doctors say Daniel’s prognosis is cautiously optimistic. He underwent two major surgeries within 36 hours of the shooting and remains in intensive care, but his condition has stabilized.

“He’s fighting,” said Dr. Alicia Morgan, one of the lead surgeons. “If there was ever a child who embodied faith and resilience, it’s him. That prayer he asked for before we operated — I think it gave strength to everyone in that room.”

The attack itself has plunged Minneapolis into mourning. On Wednesday morning, Westman, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, entered Annunciation Catholic School just as classes were beginning.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as teachers barricaded classroom doors and tried to shield students.

Two children were killed in the assault — ages 7 and 9 — while 18 others were injured, ranging from gunshot wounds to broken bones sustained during the frantic evacuation.

Westman, who had once been a student at the school and whose mother had worked on staff, was fatally stopped by police inside the building.

For families like Daniel’s, the trauma is only beginning. His parents, lifelong Minneapolis residents and active parishioners, have not left his side at the hospital.

“He’s our miracle,” his father said softly at a vigil Thursday night, standing before hundreds of candles and handwritten notes laid outside the school. “Our son’s first thought wasn’t fear, it was prayer. That tells you who he is.”

Community leaders have also rallied around the family. Archbishop Bernard Hebda called Daniel’s words “a beacon of faith in our darkest hour,” while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the city’s response.

“This child has shown more courage in a hospital bed than most of us could ever imagine. The way Minneapolis has come together to support him and all the victims is something I will never forget.”

The GoFundMe campaign has become a focal point of this unity. Organized late Wednesday night, it surged past its $10,000 goal within hours, boosted by shares from local churches, community groups, and even celebrities.

Several Minnesota Vikings players and Timberwolves stars reposted the fundraiser, adding personal donations. By Friday morning, the total had surpassed $50,000 and continued to grow.

The hospital staff, many of whom witnessed Daniel’s prayer request firsthand, say the moment has changed them.

“I’ve been in medicine for 20 years,” said one nurse. “I’ve never had a patient steady my hands before surgery by asking me to pray with him. He gave us strength, not the other way around.”

Counselors have been stationed at both the hospital and the school to help survivors and families cope with the trauma. Annunciation Catholic School announced that classes would remain suspended indefinitely as authorities continue their investigation and families grieve.

Outside the school, a growing memorial of flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes stretches down the block. One card left by a classmate read simply, “We love you, Daniel. Come back to us.”

While the investigation into Westman’s motives continues, with police combing through his manifesto and digital devices, families like Daniel’s are focused on healing.

His relatives say they’ve read him some of the supportive messages from strangers, even while he drifts in and out of sedation. “He smiles when we tell him people are praying for him,” his mother said. “He knows he’s not alone.”

The tragedy has reopened national conversations about school safety, mental health, and access to firearms, but within Minneapolis, the story of Daniel’s prayer has become its own kind of symbol.

At Thursday night’s vigil, community members joined hands and repeated the boy’s words out loud. “Can you say a prayer with me?” echoed across the candlelit crowd, transforming into a collective plea for healing.

For now, Daniel remains in his hospital bed, watched over by family, doctors, and a city that refuses to let him fight alone. His story, born out of unimaginable violence, has become one of resilience, faith, and the power of a single child’s voice to move thousands.

And as donations continue to climb, one message has emerged above all others: Daniel is not just a victim. He is a survivor, and his prayer has become the city’s prayer too.