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Leaders of Greater Love Tabernacle Church in Detroit, Michigan, said prayer prevented a shooting from “being worse” after five people were shot outside the building during a funeral service last Friday and survived.
The multi-campus congregation led by Bishop Michael E. Hill Sr. and his wife, Pearl Hill, released a statement shortly after the shooting, which authorities told WXYZ that it happened at about 5:45 p.m. in front of the church on Plymouth Road.
“Thank you all for your concern, calls, and communications. We are aware of the shooting that took place at Greater Love Tabernacle COGIC during a funeral viewing and are praying for those who were injured. We are diligently working with authorities while handling this matter,” the church said in a statement.
“We have been praying every day at noon and sincerely believe God’s covering interceded; what could have been worse. Bishop and Lady Hill and GLT members were not injured and are safe and fine. Please keep us in your prayers.”
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said at a press conference that officers were monitoring the event from across the street at O.H. Pye III Funeral Home after being alerted to a potential threat made against the services.
He said during a fight at the funeral, a suspect who pulled a handgun shot four people. One of his officers responded by shooting the suspect in the lower body. Three of the victims were said to be in their 20s while the fourth was identified as being in their 30s.
"You don't come to work expecting to have to do this, but the officer saw the threat and took action. And our officer is absolutely a hero," Bettison said.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said in a statement that the victims were mourning “a young man who had died in a car accident.”
“My thoughts are with them, their families, and everyone affected. I am grateful that all of the victims are expected to survive,” she said. “A Detroit Police officer was nearby, assigned to a location across the street, when an altercation broke out, and gunfire erupted into the crowd. The officer moved toward the scene and returned fire, stopping the threat.”
While the suspect was arrested, Bettison said it was unclear what started the fight.
"When we're put on notice that there can be a potential for violence, whether it's funerals, repasses, and you let us know, we do put details together to try to prevent this,” Bettison said of the shooting. “Our goal is to deter it and if something does happen, of course, take action.”
Ozie Pye IV, the owner of O.H. Pye, III Funeral Home, agreed with the church officials that the shooting could have been “worse” and called it “extremely horrific.”
"We gathered together to honor this young man, not for this," Pye said.
“It could have been far worse. We’re grateful that they (Police) were here,” he added, offering prayers for everyone affected. “Let’s try and love on each other a little more seriously. These little beefs and incidents and things that cause strife, we need to put that aside.”
