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Detroit Pastor Fatally Shoots Intruder Who Entered Church with Brick and Hammer

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Oct 19, 2015

A Detroit pastor shot and killed an intruder who entered his church during a service on Sunday (Oct. 18), according to reports. 

According to Fox News, Deante Smith, 25, entered The City of God church with a brick and a hammer and attempted to attack the unidentified pastor with the brick. The pastor shot Smith several times in response. 

Smith was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Detroit Police Chief Steve Dolunt said, “The pastor had had issues with the man before. He had been threatening to do him bodily harm. He walked into the service and went after the pastor with a brick. The pastor pulled out his Glock and fired several shots. I think he hit him four or five times, and the man died.”

Police are investigating the incident and the pastor has been questioned. 

City Councilman Andre Spivey said, “The reality is, things can happen anywhere now. [Church] is a haven of rest and safety… when you cannot be safe in God’s place of worship, where can you be safe?”

Publication date: October 19, 2015