Bernard Junior Polite : Gun-pulling man charged with homicide after cousin found dead: Police

A man who brandished a firearm during a sermon at a church in Pennsylvania on Sunday has been charged with homicide following the discovery of his cousin’s body, who was found shot to death in the suspect’s home, according to a statement from the Allegheny County Police.

Bernard Junior Polite, 26, was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to shoot Rev. Glenn Germany at the Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

The incident, which was captured on a live stream, showed Polite being subdued by a church deacon after his firearm malfunctioned.

Following Polite’s arrest, the body of Derek Polite, a 56-year-old man identified as the suspect’s cousin, was discovered with fatal gunshot wounds in the suspect’s residence.

Law enforcement officials announced on Tuesday that the suspect has been formally charged with homicide in connection to the death of his cousin.

Witnesses who were interviewed by investigators reported seeing the suspect acting suspiciously outside his residence on the morning of the church incident, with one neighbour claiming to have heard what sounded like a gunshot.

Polite is currently being held in custody awaiting his arraignment.

According to a statement filed with the police, Polite allegedly admitted to attempting to kill the pastor, stating that he believed it was God’s will.

In an interview with “Good Morning America,” Rev. Glenn Germany described the incident as a “miracle” that he survived the attempted shooting.

“He pulled the trigger, and by the grace of God, the gun malfunctioned. That bullet had a name on it,” Germany recounted.

Germany recalled seeing Polite enter the church, smiling at him before approaching the pulpit and pointing the gun in his direction. The quick actions of Deacon Clarence McCallister prevented a tragedy, as he tackled Polite while Germany sought cover.

McCallister’s bravery was praised by Germany, who described it as “an act of heroism.”