A 56-year-old mission president for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was wounded by gunfire from an intruder attempting to rob his residence in Mexico's capital early Saturday.

According to a New York Post report, R. Tyler Wallis sustained a gunshot to his torso during the break-in around 2 a.m., and he received treatment at a local medical center, where his condition remains stable. Church spokesperson Sam Penrod confirmed the incident, noting that Wallis' wife, Elizabeth, escaped unharmed while authorities investigate the circumstances.

A family friend described the injury as occurring below the chest, with the bullet from a 9mm weapon penetrating about 2 inches before exiting the side without damaging vital organs or arteries. It remains uncertain whether the shooting stemmed solely from the attempted robbery or involved additional factors.

Church Responds to Violent Intrusion

Penrod stated that the church is fully assisting local law enforcement in their probe of the event, emphasizing that no missionaries under Wallis' oversight were affected. He added that prayers from the organization are directed toward the couple, their relatives, and the broader missionary community facing this ordeal.

Elizabeth Wallis urgently requested prayers via her brother on Facebook, initially reporting that her husband had been shot twice during the confrontation. A close family associate later shared details on the same platform, highlighting the improbable path of the bullet as evidence of divine intervention in his survival.

The church expressed appreciation for its global volunteers, including leaders like Wallis, who promote messages of love and peace amid such challenges. Penrod's statement underscored the organization's commitment to supporting those impacted while continuing its operations worldwide.

Details Emerge on Wallis' Injuries

The family friend elaborated on Facebook that the projectile entered just below the sternum and inexplicably avoided critical internal structures before leaving the body. This account portrayed the outcome as an "undeniable miracle" given the potential for fatal consequences from such a wound.

Elizabeth's plea for immediate prayers reflected the initial panic following the early-morning attack at their mission home. While her report mentioned two shots, the detailed description focused on a single bullet's trajectory, leaving some aspects of the event open to clarification from investigators.

Wallis, who began his three-year assignment in Mexico City last July, had previously lived in Orlando, Florida, where he held a position as executive vice president of residential services at a fiber-optic company. His LinkedIn profile confirms the duration of his service, during which he oversees activities under the Mexico Area Presidency.

Background of Couple's Mission Service

The Wallises, parents to four children, relocated from Florida to take on this volunteer leadership role, though it is not known if any of their offspring were present at the home during the intrusion. Church records indicate that Mexico hosts 17 mission presidencies, with four specifically operating in the capital city alone.

Prior to the move, Wallis managed operations in telecommunications, bringing professional experience to his religious duties in guiding missionaries. The couple's assignment involves coordinating efforts to spread church teachings, a task now overshadowed by the violent interruption.

Penrod reiterated that all missionaries remain secure, allowing the church to maintain its focus on supportive measures for those affected. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns for religious workers in regions prone to crime, yet the organization continues to emphasize its global outreach.