Man Whose Birth Was Recognized as a Miracle by Pope Leo XIV Arrested in Connection with a Shooting

A Rhode Island man whose birth was heralded as a literal miracle by Pope Leo XIV has been arrested in connection with a double shooting in the state.

According to a press release from the Newport, Rhode Island Police Department, Tyquan Johnson, 19, was arrested on charges of felony assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm in a compact area. The release states that the incident took place on July 19 when police responded to a call of shots fired. When they arrived, they found two victims suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to their lower extremities. Over the course of their investigation, they identified Johnson and one other person as suspects in the shooting.

Investigators also learned that Johnson fled the state for Newport News, Virginia, where he was eventually apprehended at a residence on July 29.

When the Newport, Rhode Island police released his arrest warrant, Johnson’s name, date of birth and photo linked him to the 2007 miracle recognized by Pope Leo and the Vatican in July of 2025.

According to NBC10, Johnson was born by emergency cesarean section at Memorial Hospital in Rhode Island in Pawtucket, but suffered from oxygen deprivation and other symptoms that did not improve. The Diocese of Providence stated in 2025 that Johnson was not breathing for 65 minutes and had no heartbeat. His physician is said to have prayed to Father Valera of Spain.

Johnson suddenly made a full recovery and didn’t seem to have any complications or lasting damage from the oxygen deprivation. He was expected at the time to live a healthy, normal life, prompting Pope Leo XIV to recognize it as an official miracle by the Catholic Church.