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Washington Priest Confronts Attack During Church Service
A church service in Washington took an unexpected turn on Tuesday night when a man charged the altar, attempting to punch Reverend David Gaines. This dramatic incident unfolded during a service, leaving the congregation in shock.
The Attack Unfolds
Livestreamed footage captured the moment Joshua James Sommers rushed toward Rev. Gaines, swinging his arms wildly. In a quick display of reflexes, Gaines managed to deflect most of the blows, only sustaining minor injuries.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gaines reflected on the incident, stating, “I’ve been called athletic, all sorts of things that I’ve never been called before – but in happy ways.” Despite the chaos, he maintained a level of composure and spirit during the attack.
A Calm Amidst Chaos
Although Gaines could not recall the specifics of his first evasive action, he remembered being struck multiple times on his left side. He recounted, “He fell to the ground and I don’t know why I was doing this, but I was helping him up, and then he started swinging again with his left hand.” The reverend vividly described swatting away Sommers’ fist aimed at his face.
Gaines, who has served as a priest for ten and a half years, reported this was his first encounter with violence during a church service. Yet, instead of reacting with anger, he chose to remain peaceful.
A Spiritual Response
In a remarkable display of patience and understanding, video footage shows Gaines calmly repeating, “it’s OK,” while urging Sommers to settle down. Reflecting on his unexpected response, Gaines mused, “I don’t know, honestly, where that came from – I could say the Holy Spirit, perhaps.” His immediate assumption of Sommers’ mental state was profound, as he had never encountered the man before.
Shortly after the incident, the congregation gathered to pray for Sommers, highlighting a strong sense of community and compassion despite the turmoil.
Understanding the Individual Behind the Actions
Sommers was not a church member; he had been invited by a mother and son who had noticed him living on the streets. Following the incident, Gaines learned from authorities that Sommers suffers from schizophrenia.
Gaines revealed, “They came up to me after the service and immediately were profusely apologizing, because they brought him in.” They felt a sense of responsibility for bringing Sommers to worship, especially on such a cold night when the first snowfall had occurred.
Finding Light in Darkness
Despite the turmoil, Gaines expressed gratitude for Sommers’ presence at the service. He witnessed the man sitting peacefully for nearly an hour before the outburst. “I’m grateful that they brought him in, in God’s providence. Now he came to a healing novena, and now he’s getting a ton of prayers,” Gaines noted.
He emphasized theological beliefs, stating, “God’s promise allows everything to happen. He doesn’t make evil things happen, but he allows bad things to happen for his greater glory for our salvation, salvation of souls, and hopefully for the salvation of Josh.” This perspective reflects the reverend’s deep commitment to faith and healing.
A Call for Compassion
As the situation unfolded, Gaines made a heartfelt request for ongoing prayers for Sommers, who now faces criminal charges related to the confrontation. “In God’s great mystery and plan, I am confident that God will do something good for Josh, for our community, and help us grow in healing,” he stated. His call to love and pray for individuals struggling with mental illness demonstrates a profound understanding of compassion.
According to court records, Sommers is charged with third-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, and fourth-degree attempted assault. In a community seeking healing and understanding, Rev. Gaines’ experience serves as a reminder of the power of faith, compassion, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
