(PatriotPostNews.com) – During a sermon at a Pennsylvania church on Sunday, May 5, the pastor had a gun pulled on him in the middle of a live broadcast.
A video of the incident shows Rev. Glenn Germany sheltering himself behind the pulpit at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church as Bernard Polite, 26, held up a gun while standing just a few feet away from the preacher. The suspect was tackled to the ground by a parishioner—who was later assisted by Germany—and secured until Pennsylvania State Police arrived at the North Braddock church.
The pastor later explained that the gun had jammed, which he called “a miracle” that saved his life. He also said was feeling “excellent” and overwhelmed with gratitude that the gun hadn’t killed him. Germany added that the suspect was “dealing with a mental illness” and described him as being “possessed by spirits.”
According to court records, Polite has been charged with attempted homicide, reckless endangerment, and aggravated assault. He was taken into custody and held without bail in the Allegheny County Jail. The suspect is scheduled to return to court on Monday, May 13.
Court records also cite Polite as telling law enforcement that “God told” him to shoot Germany. He added that he had planned to kill the preacher, noting that he was hoping to end up in prison so he would be able to “clear his mind.”
During the time in which Germany restrained Polite while waiting for police to arrive at the church, he reportedly asked the suspect why he had pulled the trigger, to which the young man said, “spirits got into his head.” Germany then told the shooter he was “not mad” and that he “want[ed]” him to “know I love you.” Polite then apologized for his actions.
The man who tackled Polite before he could fire another time was Deacon Clarence McCallister, who was filming the sermon and captured the incident on camera. He later described the scene, recalling how he “heard it click” and gratefully thought, “thank God that gun jammed.”
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