Glendale, Arizona, became the scene of a shocking incident when Hans Schmidt, a 26-year-old outreach director, was shot in the head.

This tragic event occurred on Nov. 15, while Schmidt was publicly expressing his Christian faith on a street corner.

Schmidt, a father of two and the outreach director at Victory Chapel First Phoenix Church, was actively preaching at a busy Glendale intersection around 6 p.m. when he was tragically shot. The incident has not only shocked the community but has also raised questions about the safety and tolerance of religious expression in public spaces.

Rising Tensions and Concerns

The lack of progress in the investigation has been a source of mounting frustration. Members of the local Christian community feel a societal double standard is at play, affecting the urgency and attention given to the case. This sentiment echoes a broader concern about the perception and treatment of Christian individuals in society.

As of Dec. 4, the cause and motive behind this heinous act remain a mystery. Despite the availability of surveillance footage showing the shooting and its aftermath, authorities have yet to make any arrests. This has only intensified the community's call for justice and answers.

Adding to the complexity of the situation is Schmidt's critical condition. Remarkably, he was initially able to walk and talk after being shot, despite the bullet lodging in his brain. His resilience has been a point of amazement and distress for those close to him and the broader community.

Hate Crime Possibilities

Witnesses' accounts suggest that the shooting may have been a hate crime. This speculation aligns with recent FBI data showing a 47% national increase in hate crimes from 2019 to 2022, with a significant 68% rise in Arizona alone between 2018 and 2020.

These statistics paint a concerning picture, as 60% of hate crimes target race, while 15% are against religion. The potential classification of Schmidt's shooting as a hate crime adds another layer of complexity and urgency to the investigation.

Furthermore, Glendale has seen a 63% rise in crime rates above the national average, highlighting a growing problem of violence and safety concerns in the area.

A member of the local community identified only as Mr. Gaspar, expressed his frustration with the investigation's progress. He said:

A young Christian was shot on one of the busiest intersections during rush hour and with cameras all around, and it's three weeks later, and you are going to tell me they can’t make an arrest? If this was any other religious group, and they had endured the kind of abuse that this young man had endured for espousing his beliefs, I can promise you there would be no stone left unturned until they found the parties responsible.

The Community's Call for Action

Mr. Gaspar also commented on the perceived neglect of the case, stating, "Instead, it’s as if everyone has just forgotten about it. Swept it under the rug.”

Another community member, identified simply as Ms. Winn, speaking about Schmidt's condition and family, highlighted the gravity of the situation. She remarked on his background as a military medic, his recent marriage, and his role as a father to two small children. Schmidt's critical condition on life support adds an emotional depth to the community's calls for justice.

Winn made a heartfelt appeal, emphasizing Schmidt's critical state and the importance of public involvement in the investigation. She stated:

This is a horrible, horrible offense. We have a 26-year-old who is a military medic. He is recently married. He has two small children and is in a critical state, so the public must reach out if you do have information so we can bring justice to Hans and his family.

Conclusion

The shooting of Hans Schmidt has left many questions unanswered and a community in distress. The incident highlights concerns about public safety, religious tolerance, and the effectiveness of law enforcement. As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful for a breakthrough that can bring justice to Schmidt and his family.

• Hans Schmidt, 26, was shot while preaching on November 15th, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.
• He is an outreach director and a father of two, critically injured and on life support.
• Despite surveillance footage, no arrests have been made nearly three weeks after the incident.
• There are concerns within the Christian community about societal biases affecting the investigation.
• The possibility of the shooting being a hate crime is being considered amidst a national rise in hate crimes.
• Glendale, AZ, has seen a significant increase in crime rates, adding to the urgency of the situation.
• Community members, like Mr. Gaspar and Ms. Winn, have voiced their frustration and the need for public assistance in the case.