A church pastor was killed Monday by an attacker
A North Texas pastor was killed on Monday by an attacker who drove his car into the church wall and proceeded to chase the pastor and beat him with an electric guitar. It is not yet known why the suspect came after Rev. Danny Kirk Sr., the founding pastor of Greater Sweethome Missionary Baptist Church.
Police used a Taser to subdue the suspect who died a short time after being taken into custody. According to Forest Hill Police Chief Dan Dennis, the suspect drove his car into a church wall before noon Monday, apparently on purpose. The suspect then got out of his car and began attacking the pastor in the parking lot before chasing him into the church. It was then that the church secretary called 911.
Also injured in the ordeal was a church maintenance worker who attempted to help Kirk, but was injured in the process and taken to an area hospital.
Hours following the attack, the church was surrounded with people in support of Kirk. Montoya McNeil, a member of the church for eight years tearfully spoke of the pastor saying, “He really was concerned about our souls. You looked forward to being here. …I’m not asking God why, because I know where he (Kirk) is, but we won’t get those big bear hugs and those great sermons anymore.”
Reverend Kirk’s responsibilities also extended outside of the church. According to Fort Worth school district spokesman, Clint Bond, he was an unofficial volunteer chaplain who occasionally counseled members of a local high school football team.
Reginald Wilson, an associate minister at the church said “Our hearts are heavy right now.”
