The police in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, have arrested Bernard Polite after he pointed a gun at Pastor Glenn Germany as the preacher gave a sermon yesterday afternoon in the Pittsburgh suburb.
Yesterday evening, the police conducted a search of Polite’s home and found the body of a male, identified as 56-year-old Derek Polite. He was shot dead. The victim’s relation to Polite is currently unconfirmed, but there are reports that they may be cousins.
At about 1 p.m. yesterday afternoon, Pastor Germany had just begun his sermon at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church when Polite allegedly approached the altar and pointed a firearm at the preacher. Germany and other witnesses claimed he only survived because the gun jammed.
Pastor Germany said, “I thank God because only God stopped and jammed this gun.”
As Germany attempted to run for cover, members of the congregation rushed to subdue the gunman. Church Deacon Clarence McCallister leaped at Polite from behind and wrestled him to the ground.
The preacher called McCallister a “hero” and praised him for sacrificing himself to save everyone in the church.
Gunman Bernard Polite wrestled to the ground in North Braddock church
Germany and McCallister then wrestled the gun from Polite’s grasp, and Polite was subdued until the police arrived.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelThe whole terrifying incident was caught on camera, and Germany posted the footage to social media.
Pastor Germany said he saw Polite come in and out of the church several times, and he said the pair even made eye contact. Then suddenly, the gunman rushed toward Germany with the gun pointed at him. The pastor said he heard the trigger click, but thankfully, it failed to fire.
The pastor said he had never seen the man before Sunday.
Polite has allegedly confessed to the police that he attempted to shoot Germany. He claimed there were voices in his head and that “God told him to do it.” He also said he wanted to go to jail to clear his mind.
The remains of Derek Polite were discovered at a nearby house just three blocks from the church.
Bernard Polite facing charges for attempting to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany during sermon
The accused gunman is set to be arraigned Monday morning on charges of attempted murder and aggravated assault in connection with the church incident. The police have not confirmed if he will also be facing charges regarding the death of Derek Polite.
In the meantime, Pastor Germany is thankful he survived the situation and is using the incident to highlight the scourge of mental illness.
He also spoke about how difficult it was to have his 14-year-old daughter witness the incident. The pastor said, “I still had to be strong because I had to be strong for her, but I couldn’t take it, and just seeing her, that’s the part that’s hard for me to digest.”