Arizona Street Preacher Shot in Head While Preaching the Gospel

In the heart of Glendale, Arizona, a scene of unwarranted violence unfolded against a backdrop of faith and conviction. Hans Schmidt, a 26-year-old father of two and a former military combat medic, became an unexpected victim in a brutal act of aggression.

On a regular Wednesday evening, Schmidt was at his familiar spot at the northwest corner of 51st and Peoria avenues. His mission was simple yet profound in our times—to share the gospel with passersby, a duty he had embraced numerous times before without incident. However, this day was different. As he stood there with his megaphone, spreading the word of God, he was shot in the head, a direct assault on his Christian beliefs.

Schmidt’s background as a military combat medic speaks to his character—dedicated, courageous, and accustomed to serving others in challenging environments. His transition from serving in the military to serving God as the outreach director at Victory Chapel in Phoenix exemplifies his deep-rooted commitment to his faith. The abrupt and violent interruption of his peaceful preaching not only left him in a critical condition but also shocked the community he served.

Today, Schmidt remains in critical condition.

This incident is a distressing reminder of the inherent risks associated with openly practicing and preaching Christianity. It brings to light the harsh truth that Jesus Christ warned about: His followers would face persecution because the world rejected Him first. Throughout history, Christians have been subjected to various forms of hostility, from verbal abuse to physical attacks, for their beliefs. The attack on Schmidt is a contemporary manifestation of this age-old conflict between the Christian faith and societal opposition.

This incident parallels the tragedy that took place at The Covenant School in Nashville, where Aiden Hale, a transgender former student, conducted a mass shooting, killing six people. Hale was a woman who identified as a “transgender man” and had a history of emotional disorder. Disturbingly, Hale's diary revealed a desire for high casualties and contained racist remarks. These acts, targeting a Christian school and Schmidt for their faith, illustrate a growing animosity towards Christianity. It’s a disturbing reflection of how deep-seated hatred toward God and ideological liberalism can manifest in extreme and deadly ways.

These incidents reveal a grim reality. Christians, especially those actively sharing the gospel, face real dangers. Such acts of violence are not just attacks on individual people but are also assaults on God and His statutes.

In contemplating these events, it becomes evident that persecution, in its many forms, is a potent reality for Christians worldwide. The experiences of Hans Schmidt and the victims of The Covenant School shooting serve as powerful reminders of the courage required to live out one’s faith in an increasingly hostile world. These stories, while marked by tragedy, also highlight the unwavering spirit of those who choose to follow Christ, echoing the enduring message of hope and redemption central to the Christian faith.

According to Arizona Family, It’s still unclear whether the street preacher was shot by someone driving by or someone on foot. So far, no arrests have been made.