1. Gunman attempting to shoot pastor during church service
2. Pastor narrowly escaping shooting during sermon in church.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/CBS Pittsburgh
Warning: This article contains graphic images and video detailing gun violence which some readers may find distressing.
An armed individual has been apprehended after brandishing a firearm towards a pastor within a place of worship.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Sunday (May 5) during a church service in North Braddock, Pennsylvania. Reverend Glenn Germany was in the midst of delivering a sermon on the topic of ‘enemies of God’ at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church when a man stood up and pointed a gun directly at him.
In a moment captured on a live-stream broadcast, the man reportedly attempted to fire the weapon, but it miraculously malfunctioned, saving the pastor’s life. Reflecting on the incident, Germany shared with Good Morning America that it was a divine intervention that prevented the gun from firing.
Speaking to CBS Pittsburgh, Germany expressed his gratitude, saying, “I thank God because only God stopped and jammed his gun.”
The incident took place at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church (Google Maps)
Before the assailant could make another attempt, church deacon Clarence McCallister swiftly intervened, tackling the individual and preventing further harm. McCallister, reflecting on his actions, commented, “That’s how a man reacts. Something needed to be done, and I jumped up there and handled my business.”
Expressing his gratitude for the courage to act, McCallister attributed his actions to a higher power, saying, “I thank God for giving me the courage to do what I did.”
Law enforcement officers promptly responded to the scene, leading to the arrest of a 26-year-old suspect identified as Bernard Junior Polite.
A man pointed a gun at the pastor (CBS Pittsburgh)
Following the incident, Germany engaged in a conversation with Bernard, who reportedly expressed remorse for his actions towards the pastor. Germany accepted the apology, emphasizing forgiveness and understanding.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the incident, Germany shared, “The thing that hurt me the most, the thing that brings tears to my eyes, is I watched my daughter who’s seen it all. But I still had to be strong for her, but I couldn’t take it, just seeing her… it’s hard for me to digest.”
Germany’s daughter, who witnessed the traumatic event at just 14 years old, highlights the lasting effects of such violence.
Later that day, law enforcement officers conducted a search at a property on Stokes Avenue in North Braddock following reports of a shooting. At the scene, a man identified as 56-year-old Derek Polite was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound. The property is also where Bernard Polite resides, although no official connection has been established between the church incident and the shooting at the residence.
UNILAD has reached out to the Braddock Police Department for further comment on the ongoing investigations.
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– Terrifying moment gunman tries to shoot pastor during church sermon
– Gunman tries to shoot pastor during church sermon.
