GoFundMe efforts have been created for two heroes who helped prevent a mass church shooting over the weekend: a deacon who was running late to worship and ran over the gunman before he could enter the building, and a security officer who was shot in the leg while responding to the incident.
According to separate GoFundMe pages, the security team officer underwent surgery for a shattered tibia and will be out of work for about five months due to the injuries; the deacon who struck the gunman with his pickup lost his vehicle in the process as it was riddled with bullets and totaled.
According to police and congregants, Deacon Richard Pryor was running late to church that morning because he was making a sandwich for himself, and it slowed him down enough to encounter the gunman in the parking lot before he could get inside the church. Police said the pickup driver hit the gunman with his vehicle. Nearby security officers then opened fire, killing the gunman.
Meanwhile, Pryor lost his truck in the process as it was totaled from the barrage of gunfire during his heroic efforts, according to a GoFundMe page that was created to help this Good Samaritan. As of Wednesday afternoon, the effort had raised more than $21,000, with a goal of $26,000.
“In a moment of quick thinking and incredible bravery Richard sped towards the man, hitting him with his truck and giving armed security crucial extra seconds to get to the scene and prevent further harm,” the GoFundMe post reads. “Richard’s truck took several rounds and was totaled. This GoFundMe is to assist him and his family with getting a new vehicle and/or anything else they may need.”
Parishioner Dustin Fuoco, who was inside the church that day and spoke with Pryor afterward, praised the deacon for his actions, but noted the man “would not want to be called a hero.”
“He is one of the most humble guys I’ve ever seen,” Fuoco said, stressing that Pryor “stepped up” big time.
“And he is 100% giving all the glory to God,” said Fuoco, who credits Pryor with protecting the entire church that day, including his wife and infant son.
“He 1000th answered the call, and we are very much indebted to him,” said Fuoco, who was running the church’s sound system on the day of the shooting. He recalled meeting with Pryor and other church leaders after the shooting, during which Pryor explained why he was running late.
“He said he was making himself a ‘sammich,’ ” recalled Fuoco, who has also praised the security officers for their heroic efforts that day.
One of those officers was injured after being shot in the leg. A GoFundMe page has also been created for the family of that security team member, Ron Amann, whose life was upended by the day’s events. According to the GoFundMe page, Amann’s tibia was shattered and required extensive surgery to place a rod in his leg. He will spend between three and five months in recovery and rehabilitation.
“God spared Ron’s life and was mighty in His protection over the security team and congregation,” the GoFundMe post reads. It has so far raised nearly $30,000, with a goal of $40,000 to help his family as he is unable to work due to his injuries.
Neither Pryor nor Amann could be reached for comment.
But if their GoFundMe pages are any indication, along with the scores of social media posts and comments about their heroic efforts that day, there are plenty of folks singing their praises and grateful for their efforts.
“My son Richard was one of the heroes that stopped the gunman at Crosspoint Community Church on Sunday in Wayne,” a woman identifying herself as Pryor’s mother wrote on Facebook. “Yes, his actions were heroic, but to me, our family and friends, he has always been our hero. “
Another woman wrote of the injured security officer: “Ron Amann and his family have been friends of ours for over 30 years! … Please help with (his) medical expenses if you feel so urged! They are the epitome of faith-driven people!”
Tresa Baldas:tbaldas@freepress.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: GoFundMe efforts set up for 2 heroes who prevented mass church shooting
Reporting by Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
