In an unsettling incident in Mexico City, R. Tyler Wallis, the mission president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Mexico City West Mission, was shot at his residence on Saturday. Church spokesperson Sam Penrod confirmed in a release obtained by KUTV that the shooting occurred around 2 a.m. during what was purported to be an attempted robbery. Wallis is now in a stable condition and is undergoing treatment at a Mexico City medical center.
According to KSLTV, Wallis, aged 56, encountered the intruder who fired the shot. Speaking on the situation, Penrod stated, "President Wallis was shot once by an intruder during an attempted robbery in their home at approximately 2 a.m. local time." President Wallis was admitted to an intermediate care unit and, according to church officials, was responding well to treatment. His wife, Sister Elizabeth Wallis, emerged from the incident unharmed and is being supported by the Mexico Area Presidency.
The church has assured that all missionaries serving in the area are safe and accounted for. "The Church is cooperating with local authorities as they investigate the incident. All missionaries are safe," Penrod said, as reported by KSLTV. The Mexico Area Presidency is providing interim oversight of the missionaries during this period of recovery for President and Sister Wallis.
The Wallis couple began their tenure leading the mission just last month, hailing originally from Orlando, Florida. Before assuming this position, Tyler Wallis served in various leadership capacities, including as a lay bishop and in a stake presidency, as disclosed in a Church News story in February, published by The Salt Lake Tribune. The couple's dedication to their faith has been a testament to their community both at home and during their missionary work abroad. On their behalf, Penrod articulated the sentiment felt by many in their faith community: "Our prayers are with President and Sister Wallis, their family members, and the missionaries during this challenging time." The influence of the Wallis family in their community, which they had served so faithfully, was shaken by the news of the shooting, causing an outpouring of concern and support.
