A Detroit church is thanking God for His protection after five people were injured in a shooting outside its building during a funeral, saying it believes prayer prevented an even greater tragedy.

The shooting happened Friday evening outside Greater Love Tabernacle Church of God in Christ during a funeral viewing. According to authorities, gunfire erupted following an altercation, leaving five people wounded. All of the victims are expected to survive.

In a statement shared after the incident, church leaders expressed gratitude that no members of the congregation, including Bishop Michael E. Hill Sr. and First Lady Pearl Hill, were injured.

“Thank you all for your concern, calls, and communications,” the church said. “We are aware of the shooting that took place at Greater Love Tabernacle COGIC during a funeral viewing and are praying for those who were injured.”

The church also pointed to the power of prayer in the midst of the frightening situation.

“We have been praying every day at noon and sincerely believe God’s covering interceded; what could have been worse,” the statement continued. “Bishop and Lady Hill and GLT members were not injured and are safe and fine. Please keep us in your prayers.”

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said officers had been stationed nearby after receiving information about a possible threat connected to the funeral. When a fight broke out and a suspect opened fire, an officer immediately responded by shooting the suspect in the lower body, bringing the violence to an end.

“You don’t come to work expecting to have to do this, but the officer saw the threat and took action,” Bettison said. “Our officer is absolutely a hero.”

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield noted that those gathered had come together to mourn a young man who had recently died in a car accident.

“My thoughts are with them, their families, and everyone affected,” she said. “I am grateful that all of the victims are expected to survive.”

Authorities said the suspect was taken into custody, though investigators are still working to determine what sparked the altercation.

Ozie Pye IV, owner of the funeral home across the street, echoed the church’s belief that the outcome could have been much worse.

“It could have been far worse. We’re grateful that they were here,” he said, referring to the police presence. He also urged the community to reject violence, adding, “Let’s try to love each other a little more seriously. These little beefs and incidents and things that cause strife, we need to put that aside.”

For members of Greater Love Tabernacle, the events of the day were a sobering reminder of both life’s fragility and God’s faithfulness. While mourning was interrupted by violence, the congregation continues to pray for the injured, give thanks that no lives were lost, and trust that God’s hand of protection was at work even in the midst of chaos.