Pastor Survives Shooting Attempt During Livestreamed Sermon

On May 5/05/2024 at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania Sunday worship took a frightening turn . While Pastor Glenn Germany was preaching, a man walked up to the front of the church and aimed a gun at him. The gun didn’t discharge, and congregants quickly jumped into action and got hold of him.They subdued the alleged gunman, later identified as 26-year-old Bernard Polite, until police arrived.

While the church’s livestream footage shows, a cameraman tackled and helped disarm the gunman. Germany, who had briefly taken cover behind a pulpit, assisted, as did other churchgoers.

Pastor Glenn Germany Describes Shooting Attempt and Aftermath

After the incident, Pastor Glenn Germany expressed gratitude to God and parishioners. “I’m thankful to God that I’m still here,” he said, “because [the alleged gunman] definitely pulled the trigger.” Germany said he didn’t know the suspect and had never seen him before.

The pastor said he had noticed a man walking in and out of church Sunday, occasionally making eye contact with him. “He set up in the front corner of the church and smiled at me,” said Germany. “All of a sudden, I just saw a gun pointing right at me. And at that point, all I could try to do is run for cover.”

The pastor credited church cameraman Clarence McCallister for brave, swift actions. “He could have lost his life in that struggle,” Germany said, “but he sacrificed himself for everyone, and he’s the hero.”

McCallister, who said he’s thankful nobody was injured, said, “That was just God.” McCallister added that he was merely doing his job, noting that Pastor Germany would have helped him if the tables had been turned.

Authorities haven’t discussed a possible motive in the shooting attempt. But according to the criminal complaint, Polite told police that “God told him to do it.”

Polite, who was denied bail, was arraigned Monday morning (May 6) on charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for May 13.

Pastor Survives Shooting Attempt During Livestreamed Sermon

At the end of his video, Germany said of the suspect, “He said that he was possessed by spirits. He said that it was spirits that was talking to him. It was spirits that told him to come and shoot inside the church.”

On Monday morning, Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church posted a note of thanks on social media: “We are so thankful and grateful to God for keeping His hands over each and everyone of us there,” it stated. “Pastor Glenn is doing fine and he says he is doing great and Blessed to be alive! He sends his love to everyone and he thanks you all for your prayers and concerns!”

Dead Body Later Found at Alleged Gunman’s House

After the attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church, police found a deceased man in the shooting suspect’s house. Neighbors expressed shock and indicated that Polite and the deceased man, 56, were related. Police haven’t provided information yet, and no charges have been filed as of midday Monday.

On Facebook Live Sunday evening, Pastor Germany discussed the unfolding events at the suspected gunman’s house. “I was told that…. It is presumed that he kill his cousin in his house before he came to the church,” a caption reads. “Police has his house yellow taped now…. 2 blocks away from the church….. But I am here today to speak about it, I’ve been kept… Praise GOD.”