A Pennsylvania man allegedly tried to shoot a pastor during his service in Pennsylvania on May 5, and due to the gun not firing, a tragedy was averted as another parishioner and the pastor tackled the man to the ground.
According to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite was arrested by Pennsylvania State Police after he allegedly fired a gun at Rev. Glenn Germany at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock. Police stated that the suspect did so “because the spirits in his head told him to,” according to charges filed. The incident, which took place after 1 p.m., was viewed online as the service was being streamed live.
Polite is being held without bail at Allegheny County Jail and is facing several charges, including aggravated assault and attempted homicide.
As Rev. Germany was at the front of the church speaking to the congregation, Polite calmly walked into the frame and allegedly pointed the weapon at the pastor. Rev. Germany ran for cover behind the podium, as Polite continued to pursue the pastor, another man came from behind and brought Polite down and Germany joined the man in subduing the suspect and grabbed the gun from him. The men kept him on the ground as others came to gather and start talking to him.
According to a police complaint, Polite allegedly stated that “God told me to do it” and he planned on shooting the pastor and to be arrested “so he could go to jail and clear his mind.”
Source: Pennsylvania Man Arrested After Allegedly Pointing Gun At Pastor During Sermon
