Chaos Erupts at Detroit Funeral as Man Pulls Gun on Pastor

Five people arrested after confrontation at New McFall Brothers Funeral Home

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A man allegedly pulled a gun on a pastor during a funeral service in Detroit, Michigan, triggering chaos among mourners. The incident occurred at the New McFall Brothers Funeral Home after the pastor asked attendees to take their seats due to fire safety concerns. The deceased's older brother ignored the request, started yelling obscenities, and then drew a handgun, pointing it at the pastor. Four additional individuals were later detained on separate weapons offenses.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing pattern of firearms-related incidents at funeral homes, which has prompted increased police presence at such events. The confrontation also occurred during a service honoring a 17-year-old who was killed with a gun, underscoring the broader issue of gun violence in the community.

The details

According to the pastor, Darthanian Nichols, the man started yelling obscenities before drawing a gun and pointing it at Nichols while demanding that he stop talking. Nichols said he 'braced himself for the worst case scenario' but believed the man was not trying to shoot him, rather acting out of emotion. Funeral home president Michael Kemp said attendees fled in every direction when the gun was drawn. Police arrested the suspect shortly after and may press felonious assault and felony firearm charges. Four additional individuals were later detained on separate weapons offenses.

  • The incident occurred on March 28, 2026 during a funeral service at the New McFall Brothers Funeral Home in Detroit, Michigan.
  • The arrests were made shortly after the confrontation, according to police.

The players

Darthanian Nichols

The pastor who was the target of the gun being pointed at him during the funeral service.

Michael Kemp

The president of the New McFall Brothers Funeral Home where the incident took place.

John Stewart

The Detroit Police Captain who praised the pastor's calm handling of the situation and said the DPD has increased its presence at funerals due to a growing pattern of firearms-related incidents at funeral homes.

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What they’re saying

“In my mind, I braced myself for the worst case scenario, which would be to be shot. Even as he pointed the gun, I don't believe he was trying to point it. I think it was just more so his emotions, and he was talking with the gun in his hand.”

— Darthanian Nichols, Pastor

“When we put violence in that you're destroying someone's last chance to say goodbye.”

— Michael Kemp, Funeral Home President

“The pastor — the calm he kept and the way he handled himself — he's a hero.”

— John Stewart, Detroit Police Captain

What’s next

Officials may press felonious assault and felony firearm charges against the suspect who pulled the gun on the pastor.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the growing problem of gun violence disrupting solemn events like funerals, which has prompted increased police presence at such gatherings. It also highlights the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation training to prevent these types of volatile confrontations from occurring, especially in spaces meant for grieving and remembrance.