Glendale, Arizona - A community is left in shock and disbelief after a beloved religious leader was shot in the head while preaching on a street corner in Glendale on Wednesday night. Glendale police have identified the victim as 26-year-old Hans Schmidt, a devoted husband, father of two, and former military combat medic. As of Friday morning, Schmidt remains in critical condition fighting for his life.

The incident took place at the intersection of 51st and Peoria Avenues around 6 p.m. Witnesses and friends of Schmidt revealed that he was standing on the street corner using a megaphone to passionately spread the gospel to passersby, a mission he had carried out countless times before. However, on this fateful evening, a perpetrator unexpectedly brandished a firearm and shot Schmidt in the head.

The motive behind the heinous act remains unclear, as friends and community members struggle to understand why anyone would harm a preacher spreading the message of hope and goodwill. "Who knows why someone would want to take it out on a preacher like that because he's speaking the gospel and good news to everybody. He's out to help the community," stated Henry Branch, a neighbor residing close to the scene of the crime. Schmidt also played an integral role as the outreach director, leading weekly services at the Victory Chapel.

According to witnesses, Schmidt had faced verbal assaults and derogatory comments in the past while engaging in his preaching activities. Paul Sanchez, who works in close proximity to the incident location, mentioned that some people would yell obscenities and drive by cursing at Schmidt. Despite the provocation, Schmidt never stooped to their level and never responded with aggression.

The announcement of the grim incident was made by the pastor at the church where Schmidt regularly preached, leaving the congregation in shock and disbelief. Larry Dettman, who was present during the service, expressed his outrage, saying, "Out of nowhere, how does this happen? There's some real evil in this world, bunch of human junk in their life and they take it out on somebody else."

Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the case and trying to determine whether the offender was on foot or in a moving vehicle during the attack. At this time, no arrests have been made, causing concern and fear within the community. The Glendale Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation.

As the community anxiously awaits updates on Schmidt's condition and the identification of the perpetrator, they have come together in solidarity, offering prayers and support to his family. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the darkness that can exist amidst acts of faith and compassion.

The shocking assault on Hans Schmidt has left the community shaken. However, it has also highlighted the resiliency and strength of the Glendale community, as they rally together to bring justice to their beloved religious leader and advocate for peace and unity in the face of such senseless violence.