In a shocking incident at a church in Pennsylvania, a man named Bernard J. Polite attempted to shoot a pastor during a service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock. Polite reportedly claimed that “God told him to do it” and entered the church during a sermon, pointing a gun at the pastor, Rev. Glenn Germany. However, the gun failed to fire and Polite was tackled by a congregant before he could carry out the attack. The pastor and the congregant managed to wrestle the gun away from Polite and hold him until state troopers arrived at the scene.
After his arrest, Polite confessed that he had planned to shoot the pastor and then wait to be arrested in order to clear his mind. He was charged with aggravated assault and attempted homicide and is currently held without bail at the Allegheny County Jail. Authorities are still investigating the incident, and it is unclear if Polite has retained an attorney. Additionally, police found the body of a shooting victim at a home near the church where Polite had been prior to the incident. The victim was identified as Derek Polite, but it is unknown if he is related to Bernard Polite.
According to court documents, Bernard Polite was not known at the church and had wandered over to the church after hearing music playing from there. Pastor Glenn Germany expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal, acknowledging how the situation could have been much worse. He credited divine intervention for protecting him and ensuring his safety during the attempted shooting. The incident has left both the congregation and the local community in shock, with many expressing relief that the situation did not escalate further.
The attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church has raised concerns about security at religious institutions and the safety of worshippers during services. Many churches have implemented increased security measures in recent years to prevent violence and protect their congregations. In light of this incident, there may be renewed discussions about the need for stronger security protocols at places of worship to prevent such attacks in the future. The pastor and members of the congregation have expressed their gratitude for the quick actions of the congregant who tackled Polite and prevented a potential tragedy.
The incident has also highlighted the issue of mental health and the importance of providing support and resources for individuals in crisis. Bernard Polite’s claim that “God told him to do it” raises questions about his mental state and whether he may have been experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. It serves as a reminder of the need for mental health awareness and resources to address underlying issues that may lead to violent behavior. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the attempted shooting, there may be further conversations about how to support individuals in need of mental health services to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
