Pennsylvania Pastor Has Gun Pulled on Him During Sermon, Police Later Find Dead Body in Gunman's Home
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"He actually apologized to me. I told him, 'I forgive you and I want you to know I love you,' " Pastor Glenn Germany said
Today Show/X Pastor Glenn Germany
A gunman tried to shoot a pastor at a church in Pennsylvania over the weekend, and a dead body was later discovered in his home, authorities said.Glenn Germany was delivering his service at Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock on Sunday, May 5, when the suspected gunman — who was identified by police as Bernard Junior Polite, 26 — allegedly attempted to shoot him, according to a news release from Pennsylvania State Police.Polite's gun "failed to discharge," however, police said, which allowed a congregation member and the pastor to "subdue and disarm" the perpetrator before anyone was harmed.The alleged gunman was then held until authorities arrived, according to police. He is currently charged with criminal attempt - criminal homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person, per court records obtained by PEOPLE. He is not facing any charges in relation to the body found at his home.Polite had bail denied and is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for later this month, the documents show.It is not immediately clear if Polite has legal representation to comment on his behalf.
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According to the criminal complaint obtained by WTAE, Polite told authorities that he tried to shoot Germany because "God told him to do it."He also said he wanted to go to jail to clear his mind, the outlet reported.After Polite's arrest, police discovered the body of a man who was shot to death inside his home, per WTAE.The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office identified the man as Derek Polite, 56, on Monday, May 6, PEOPLE can confirm. So far, no charges have been filed in connection with the body that was found.A church service was interrupted when a man pulled a gun on the pastor. @EmilieIkedaNBC has more from the pastor and the deacon who leapt into action to disarm the gunman. Warning: These images may be disturbing. pic.twitter.com/1Ra0MFsmma— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 6, 2024
Speaking with the Today show, which shared footage of the incident from a live stream of the sermon, on May 6, Germany shared more details about the ordeal and said he forgives Polite for what he did."He said, 'Look, spirits was in my mind. They got in my mind and they told me come in and shoot the pastor,' " Germany said of what Polite allegedly told him."He actually apologized to me. I told him, 'I forgive you and I want you to know I love you,' " the pastor continued.Also speaking with Today, Clarence McCallister, a deacon at the religious establishment, reacted, stating, "God has his hands on the pastor.""He wouldn't let him go nowhere," he added. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People.
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