President R. Tyler Wallis — the mission leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who was shot earlier this month during an attempted robbery in the mission home — and his wife, Sister Elizabeth Wallis, released a joint statement Monday where they shared some details of the incident, expressed gratitude for the worldwide “love and support” they’ve received and affirmed their commitment to continue serving in the church’s México México City West Mission.
“Our call to serve in Mexico City came from a prophet, and we will continue to serve the Lord, with our missionaries,” they wrote.
“Thank you for your prayers, messages, love and faith. We have been sustained with peace during this challenging time, and we sincerely thank you for supporting us by calling down the powers of heaven on our behalf.”
President and Sister Wallis explained the Aug. 16 shooting ensued when an armed intruder entered their home at approximately 2 a.m. local time, firing two shots at “point-blank range” during their attempted robbery.
“One of those 9mm rounds entered Tyler’s body in the center of his upper abdomen and exited his body near his hip, miraculously missing his organs and arteries,” the Wallises wrote. They added that the “only way to explain the outcome of this harrowing event is a miracle.”
“We believe God is a god of miracles,” they said. “We have witnessed miracles and have had angels, both heavenly and earthly, minister to us.”
President and Sister Wallis, from Orlando, Florida, have been serving in Mexico City since July 1.
Only President Wallis sustained a physical injury from the Aug. 16 shooting, thus receiving medical care in an “intermediate care unit” in Mexico City, according to church spokesman Sam Penrod. He responded well to treatment and was released.
Penrod further explained in a previous statement that Sister Wallis was supported by the church’s Mexico Area presidency, who also helped oversee the missionaries assigned to the México México City West Mission.
The missionaries are safe, Penrod explained. And the church is cooperating with local authorities as they further investigate the incident.
See the Wallises’ full statement
“We are sincerely thankful for the prayers, love and support that have poured in from all over the world. It is a privilege for us to serve the Lord and share his message of peace, light and truth, alongside with beloved missionaries in the México México City West Mission. Our message comes from God, and we love to share this good news of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with the world.
“Our call to serve in Mexico City came from a prophet, and we will continue to serve the Lord, with our missionaries. Our message is to help people come unto Christ, find peace, understand their purpose in life and share the plan of happiness that is available to everyone.
“As you are aware, in the early morning hours of Aug. 16, 2025, an armed intruder entered our home and a struggle ensued. The intruder fired two shots at point-blank range. One of those 9mm rounds entered Tyler’s body in the center of his upper abdomen and exited his body near his hip, miraculously missing his organs and arteries.
“In that initial moment of fear, we felt God and his angels protecting us. The only way to explain the outcome of this harrowing event is a miracle. We believe God is a god of miracles. The Book of Mormon asks the question ‘Have miracles ceased? ... Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men’ (Moroni 7:27-29). We have witnessed miracles and have had angels, both heavenly and earthly, minister to us.
“We are sensitive that not every situation has the same outcome as ours, and we mourn with those who have been tragically separated from loved ones. No one is immune from trials in life, and some of them are the result of the wrong choices of others. As we each recognize that we have an eternal purpose, which includes life after death, we can find peace in our trials. We are grateful that by God’s will, Tyler’s life was spared, and a full recovery is expected.
“Thank you for your prayers, messages, love and faith. We have been sustained with peace during this challenging time, and we sincerely thank you for supporting us by calling down the powers of heaven on our behalf.”
President and Sister Wallis signed and released their joint statement Monday, Aug. 25.