A gunfight reportedly broke out between a pastor and a disgruntled worker inside a Florida church on Tuesday after the man opened fire at the pastor upon learning that he was being dismissed from his position.
The church maintenance employee fired at Pastor Terry Howell, who allegedly whipped out his own gun in self-defense and critically shot Benjamin Parongan inside Living Water Fellowship Church in Osceola on Tuesday morning, the Associated Press reported. Parongan is currently in stable condition at Osceola Regional Medical Center.
"We are in full support of the on-going Osceola County Sheriff's Office investigation into the traumatic incident that occurred at our Church this morning. We will continue to cooperate with the investigators in every way that we can," Howell said in a statement issued through the local sheriff's office.
At 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Howell met with janitor Parongan to supposedly announce his employment termination, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office said. Upon finding out the news, the 47-year-old pulled out a handgun and began firing multiple times at Howell, but missed him, witnesses told deputies.
The 61-year-old pastor then drew his own gun and fired back at Parongan, striking him. Both men, according to reports, had concealed weapons permits.
At the time of the clash, a group of children were present at a childcare facility adjacent to the church along with several other adult witnesses in the church, according to the Orlando Sentinel. None of them were injured.
"Approximately 16 children were here at the time," Osceola County Sheriff's Office representative Twis Lizasuain said. "They were not affected by the incident that occurred. As a precaution, we did notify the parents, and all the children have been picked up at this time."
Meanwhile, the shooting is being investigated as a case of self-defense, authorities said, adding that criminal charges are pending against Parongan, who has been charged with aggravated assault.
On Tuesday afternoon, the church released a statement saying they were fully cooperating with authorities in their investigation, New York Daily News reported.
"Until the investigation is complete, we will not be making any public statements. Thank you for understanding. The members of our Church will continue to pray for all those involved in this morning's incident. We would ask all who read this release to do the same."
