Divine Intervention: Video Captures Moment Pastor and Deacon Stop Gunman During Church Attack in Pennsylvania
Bernard Polite was arrested after he allegedly walked into a church and pointed a gun at pastor, officials said.
An armed man walked into a Pennsylvania church and attempted to shoot at the pastor during his sermon, but was subdued until police could arrive, a video of the incident shows.
Pastor Glenn Germany was delivering a sermon at Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock shortly after 1 p.m. on May 5 when the suspect was captured on video aiming a gun at him.
The video, shot by the church's deacon and posted on Facebook by Germany, shows the armed man aiming the gun as Germany dives for cover behind a lectern. Deacon Clarence McCallister can be seen leaping in front of the camera and tackling the would-be shooter.
Germany then comes to assist McCallister, and together they disarm and subdue the man.
Bernard Polite, 26, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and attempted homicide.
Later that evening, Allegheny County Police responded to a report of a man found shot to death inside Polite's residence. The victim was identified as 56-year-old Derek Polite.
In an updated video posted on Facebook, Germany said Polite's neighbor told him that he shot his relative before going to the church.
"It is presumed that he killed his cousin in his house before he came to the church," Germany said. The residence is about two blocks away from the church.
Germany, who told KDKA that he spoke with Polite while the suspect was in police custody, said he believes mental illness may have played a role in the incident.
"This guy was just dealing with spirits, he said, and he came in and wanted to shoot somebody," Germany claimed.
The pastor also said Polite apologized to him, and he forgave him.
Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.
"The thing that hurts me the most and brings tears to my eyes because I couldn't watch my daughter break down," Germany said of his 14-year-old child, who was sitting in the church for the service at the time the incident occurred.
Police are asking anyone with information about the homicide to come forward or submit an anonymous tip.
TMX contributed to this report.
Become a Front Page Detective
Sign up to receive breaking
Front Page Detectives
news and exclusive investigations.