WASHINGTON — Montgomery County police are investigating reports of shots fired outside of a church Wednesday and Thursday.
No one was injured as a result of the two incidents, police said.
On Wednesday, an attendee of New Life Seventh-day Adventist Church, at 7401 Muncaster Mill Rd. in Gaithersburg, Maryland, said he noticed a bullet hole in a window frame near the front entrance.
Police recovered a bullet fragment from the window frame. Church representatives said they do not know when the shots were fired.
On Thursday, police responded to the area for reports of gunshot sounds. Police say the church “sustained damage” from the gunshot and they were able to recover bullet fragments at the scene.
“As far as this new event on Thursday night, we don’t know what to expect, what to think,” said Pastor David Dufoe. “We’re just hoping that they don’t have the intent to harm or cause harm.”
Investigators are looking to determine whether the incidents are related, said Captain Paul Starks. Anyone with information is asked to call 240-773-5770.
“In all probability, there were motorists driving by that area. It’s a busy road even at 11 o’clock at night,” Starks said.
Dufoe said he urges those responsible to remember people’s safety is at stake if they are targeting the church.
“Understand this is a house of worship, that it’s a peaceful place,” he said.
The church’s annual Turkey giveaway for the less fortunate will go on as planned Sunday, Dufoe said.
“The members are quite resolved,” he said. “We are not going to allow this to stop what we are doing.”
Below is a map of the area where gunshots were heard.
WTOP’s Mike Murillo contributed to this report.
