Hans Schmidt, a 26-year-old father of two and former military combat medic, is battling for his life in a hospital after being shot in the head while preaching on November 16, 2023, around 6:15 pm, in Glendale, Arizona. 

Schmidt, recognized for his public Gospel preaching using a megaphone, was shot by an unknown assailant at a crowded intersection, the Glendale Police Department reports. 

Schmidt, who recently moved to Arizona and worked as the outreach director at Victory Chapel, remains in critical condition. 

The reasons behind the shooting are still being investigated, with no clear motive or suspects identified. 

Paul Sanchez, who works in the vicinity, mentioned that while Schmidt was out preaching, certain individuals drove past, shouting and using offensive language toward him. “There was a variety of negativity—spiteful remarks, people shouting at him to leave the street, and all sorts of unkind things,” he stated. Sanchez never anticipated that the situation would worsen, particularly because, as he mentioned, Schmidt never engaged with anyone or reacted to the unkind remarks.

The community and Schmidt’s family and friends are in a state of shock and confusion following the incident. The Glendale Police Department is actively pursuing leads and requesting public assistance to find the perpetrator.