Pennsylvania pastor survives attempted shooting during service
Police are investigating after a dead body was later found at the home of the gunman.
Pennsylvania Pastor Survives Attempted Shooting During Service
The Reverend Glenn Germany, pastor at Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, a Pittsburgh suburb, survived a shooting during his Sunday sermon when the attacker's gun jammed, giving congregants time to subdue him. The attacker, identified as 26-year-old Bernard Polite, approached Pastor Germany during the service, raised his arm, and aimed a gun at him. However, the gun failed to discharge, allowing church Deacon Clarence McCallister to run up the center aisle and tackle the attacker. Pastor Germany then approached and took the gun. After the incident, Mr. Polite spoke to Pastor Germany and apologized, stating that he suffered from mental illness and heard voices telling him to shoot the pastor. Mr. Polite is facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide, and is being detained at a jail in Pittsburgh ahead of a preliminary hearing next week [1].
Pastor's Response and Investigation
Pastor Germany expressed his gratitude for surviving the attack, stating, "I'm so grateful. You know, he shot. You can hear the gun click." He also mentioned that he initially saw Mr. Polite walk in and smile at him, assuming he was coming to speak with another member of the church. However, Mr. Polite approached Pastor Germany and attempted to shoot him. The police have not yet commented on Bernard Polite's relationship with the victim, Derek Polite, who was found fatally shot at his North Braddock home. Detectives from the Allegheny County Police Department's homicide unit are handling the investigation, and no charges have been filed in the shooting of Derek Polite at this point [1].
Conclusion
The incident at Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, highlights the harrowing experience of Pastor Glenn Germany surviving an attempted shooting during a Sunday sermon. The quick actions of congregants and the subsequent arrest of the attacker, Bernard Polite, shed light on the potential impact of mental illness on such tragic events.