Title: Phoenix suburb preacher in critical condition after being shot in the head
A Phoenix suburb community was left in shock after a 26-year-old preacher, Hans Schmidt, was shot in the head while preaching on a street corner near Victory Chapel. The incident took place at around 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday, just before a church service was scheduled to begin. Schmidt, who serves as the outreach director at Victory Chapel, was in critical condition as of Friday, with no arrests made in connection to the shooting.
Victory Chapel Pastor Gary Marsh expressed the devastation felt by the family and the church community. The Pentecostal church, which typically draws around a hundred attendees to its services, is known for its emphasis on evangelism. “We do believe in evangelism. That’s why there’s young men standing in the corner preaching the gospel,” Marsh said.
Schmidt, a former military combat medic, is a husband and father of two. As his family grapples with the situation, the church has called for donations to cover the medical expenses. A post on the church’s homepage revealed that the family is encouraged by the progress being made in his recovery.
Local authorities from the Glendale Police Department have stated that no arrests have been made, and they are urging any potential witnesses to come forward with information about the case. Glendale, located about nine miles northwest of Phoenix, is where the shooting occurred.
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, sentiments from those who have seen Schmidt preaching on the streets have pointed to his peaceful demeanor. Paul Sanchez, who works at a nearby automotive repair shop, mentioned that Schmidt would often preach using a megaphone, alongside others from Victory Chapel, without any hint of hostility. “He wasn’t being hateful,” Sanchez stated.
As the community awaits updates on Schmidt’s condition and the progress of the investigation, support and prayers continue to pour in for the preacher and his family.