In a harrowing incident early Tuesday morning, Tyler Wallis, a 57-year-old mission president for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), was shot during an attempted robbery at his residence in Mexico City. Wallis, an Ohio native, and his wife Elizabeth, 54, were home when the intruder broke in around 2:00 am.
The assailant fired a 9mm pistol at Wallis, striking him below the sternum. Thankfully, the bullet missed vital organs and arteries, an outcome the family described as an “undeniable miracle.” Elizabeth Wallis, who was unharmed during the incident, immediately texted family members for prayers. “We need prayers immediately. A robber broke into our house and Tyler has been shot two times. Please wake everyone up and pray for him,” she wrote.
Wallis was promptly treated at a medical facility in Mexico City and is reported to be in stable condition, according to church spokesperson Sam Penrod. The couple, originally from Orlando, Florida, moved to Mexico City less than two months ago to begin their new mission assignment on July 1. Elizabeth had expressed excitement prior to the move, sharing on Facebook, “A new chapter of our life has begun. We are excited to serve the Lord in this capacity.”
Community Support Floods Social Media
The Wallis family has received an outpouring of support, particularly through social media platforms. One of their daughters, Madeleine, posted an update on Facebook, noting, “My dad is doing well – we appreciate all the prayers and rejoice in miracles.” The comment section was quickly filled with messages of solidarity and heartfelt prayers from supporters worldwide.
Despite this traumatic experience, the couple’s faith remains unwavering. Elizabeth, a life coach specializing in helping parents with anxious children, has been a vocal advocate for resilience and positivity. On her personal website, she described her mission as “a woman trying to reduce anxiety in the world.”
Crime in Mexico City Raises Concerns
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about safety in certain areas of Mexico City. While the city has made progress in reducing crime rates over recent years, robberies remain a frequent risk in neighborhoods close to central districts like the Cuauhtémoc borough. According to Dow Jones data, violent robberies are still alarmingly common in such areas.
The LDS Church confirmed in an official statement that all missionaries under their supervision remain safe. They also expressed their full cooperation with local authorities as investigations into the attempted robbery continue.
This terrifying ordeal comes as an alarming reminder of the lingering risks faced by expatriates and residents in Mexico City. For now, the Wallis family focuses on recovery, faith, and gratitude for the miracle that spared Tyler’s life.
