A Pittsburgh nun confronted a suspected thief this week after he allegedly stole a customer’s credit cards from her religious goods store and threatened to shoot her when she gave chase.

According to New York Post, Sister Mary Madalyn Schleifer confronted the suspect near her Bloomfield-area shop and recovered the stolen items even after the man claimed he had a gun.

The incident took place at the Sacred Heart of Jesus store, which Schleifer operates in the Bloomfield neighborhood of Pittsburgh. A customer reported to Schleifer that her credit cards had gone missing while shopping inside the store earlier in the day. Reacting immediately, Schleifer decided to follow the man she suspected had taken them.

Schleifer said the moment was more instinct than strategy. “You don’t think about that. There’s no why; it just happens. It happens so fast,” she said when describing the encounter. Despite being aware that the man could pose a danger, she decided to act on impulse and intervene directly.

When she followed the man outside, Schleifer said he turned to her and issued a chilling warning. “He was walking out the door, and I started following him, and he turned around and said, ‘I don’t want to have to shoot you,’” she recalled. Despite the threat, Schleifer continued, feeling compelled by something beyond fear.

Nun Offers Message of Faith Despite Threat

In response to the threat, Schleifer said she kept her voice calm and offered the man a message of compassion. “And I said, ‘Listen, all I want to tell you is Jesus loves you.’ And then he went out, and I went out after him,” Schleifer added. The pursuit led to her recovering the customer's stolen credit cards, though it’s still unclear if the suspect was later apprehended.

The Pittsburgh Police Department has not provided a statement regarding the incident, and it is not known if any arrest has been made or charges filed. Repeated requests for comment were not answered by the department before the time of publication. The lack of public details has left questions surrounding the suspect’s identity and possible criminal history unresolved.

This isn’t the first time Schleifer has chosen to confront potentially dangerous individuals. Over the years, she has developed a reputation in her neighborhood for standing up to those committing crimes. Past incidents include putting herself in harm’s way when confronting a jewelry robber who was reportedly armed, as well as facing a man aggressively demanding money.

Faith as the Driving Force Behind Her Actions

Schleifer attributes her resolve to the strength of her religious beliefs. While she acknowledges the danger inherent in these confrontations, her faith gives her what she describes as clarity and peace in the face of threat. She believes all people are capable of redemption and emphasizes compassion even in high-stakes scenarios.

“We’re all His children, whether we know it or not, you know?” Schleifer said, reflecting on the deeper meaning behind her actions. “Sometimes, there’s a lot of crud on us and we have to get that cleaned off to be able to see.” Her words point to a belief in human dignity that extends even to those who break the law.

The store where the incident occurred serves as both a place of commerce and a spiritual refuge for many locals. Known for selling devotional items and religious goods, the shop attracts a steady stream of customers who come not just to buy, but to engage with Schleifer and her message of faith. That outreach, she says, extends beyond the walls of the store.

Community Reactions and Public Interest Grow

The story has gained local attention, particularly due to Schleifer’s fearless response and unapologetic spirituality. While some have voiced concern over the risks taken, others have praised her commitment to doing what she believes is right. Community members say the nun's actions have drawn more visitors to the shop and sparked conversations about safety and service.

Though the attempt to retrieve stolen property could have ended in harm, Schleifer says she doesn’t dwell on the danger she faced. Her focus, she explains, is on recognizing the humanity in others—even those who act with malice or desperation. It’s a perspective that some find remarkable given the circumstances she faced outside her store.

Whether her message reached the man she encountered remains unclear, but Schleifer believes such moments can be powerful. They reaffirm her mission, which she feels is about more than retail or preaching—it’s about reminding people of their worth, even during moments of wrongdoing or despair.

Ongoing Questions About Law Enforcement Response

For now, there has been no official word from authorities regarding follow-up on the theft or the suspect’s whereabouts. The delay in response from the Pittsburgh Police has left many hoping for more transparency and a clear resolution. Residents in the area have expressed hope that the matter will be investigated thoroughly.

Security measures at small businesses like Schleifer’s shop are also being discussed in light of the incident. Some are questioning what resources are available for shopkeepers in areas where petty crime is a concern. For Schleifer, however, physical safety takes a backseat to doing what she feels is morally right in any given moment.

“It’s not about me,” Schleifer said. “It’s about making sure people know they matter—even when they’re lost.” Her story, whether seen as heroic, risky, or both, highlights the complexity of balancing compassion and caution in real-world encounters.