In a stunning turn of events, San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall narrowly escaped a deadly encounter after being shot in the chest during a brazen daylight robbery in Union Square. The incident, which has left many questioning the safety of San Francisco’s streets, underscores the growing concerns about crime in the city and the urgent need for law and order.

Pearsall, a promising young athlete with a bright future ahead of him, was walking alone in San Francisco around 3:30 p.m. when he was confronted by a 17-year-old assailant. The situation quickly escalated, and the suspect fired a shot, striking Pearsall in the chest. Miraculously, the bullet passed through his chest and exited his back without hitting any vital organs—a stroke of luck that many are calling an act of divine intervention.

Pearsall’s mother, Erin Pearsall, took to social media to express her profound gratitude for her son’s survival, crediting divine protection for sparing his life. “First and foremost, I want to thank GOD for protecting my baby boy. He is extremely lucky; GOD shielded him,” Erin wrote in an emotional Facebook post. “Life is so precious, my friends. Please love each other. My son was spared today by the grace of GOD. Please pray for my baby.”

San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott confirmed that an altercation preceded the gunshot, stating, “A struggle between Mr. Pearsall and the suspect ensued, and gunfire from the suspect’s gun struck both Mr. Pearsall and the subject.” While Chief Scott emphasized the rarity of such incidents in Union Square, many are questioning whether the city’s leadership is doing enough to prevent these crimes from becoming more common.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed, whose administration has faced criticism for its handling of crime and public safety, addressed the incident in a weekend press conference. “This is how we hold people accountable in San Francisco. Robberies and any violence like this will not be tolerated in our city,” Breed asserted. However, her remarks have done little to quell the growing unease among residents and visitors alike.

Social media users were quick to express their shock and disbelief at Pearsall’s miraculous survival. One commenter noted, “Wow, he was lucky, very lucky. And he was hit on the right side of his chest… had it been the other side, we’d be talking about a very different outcome perhaps. Prayers up to that man.”

Another user highlighted the deteriorating safety in California, stating, “It’s not safe anymore in California.” This sentiment echoes a broader concern that many Californians have been voicing as crime rates continue to rise across the state.

While Pearsall’s recovery is a testament to resilience and, as some believe, divine grace, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing need for stronger law enforcement and accountability in San Francisco. As the investigation continues and the suspect faces justice, many are left wondering how much longer they can feel safe in a city that once prided itself on being a beacon of safety and opportunity.

Ricky Pearsall’s story may be one of survival, but it’s also a wake-up call—a call for action to restore the safety and security that every American city should offer its citizens.