A 26-year-old man created panic during a live-streamed church service in Western Pennsylvania last Sunday when he brandished a gun at a preacher. The unsettling incident occurred at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, located about 9 miles southeast of downtown Pittsburgh.
Bernard Junior Polite of North Braddock allegedly entered the church just before 1:10 p.m. and aimed a firearm at the preacher, Glenn Germany, during his sermon. Fortunately, the gun malfunctioned, failing to discharge. Quick action from a church member, Clarence McCallister, who tackled the armed suspect, prevented further chaos. With assistance from Germany and another congregant, McCallister successfully disarmed Polite.
Germany recounted seeing Polite enter and exit the church premises several times before the incident, eventually settling near the front. Moments later, Polite stood up, pulled out the gun, but it jammed, prompting Germany to take cover.
Following the altercation, police took Polite into custody. However, the day took a darker turn when authorities discovered a deceased individual in Polite’s home at around 8:15 p.m. The victim was identified as Derek Polite, 56, of North Braddock. The relationship between the armed suspect and the deceased remains unclear.
Before the disturbance, Germany had been delivering a sermon on God’s protective power and the importance of understanding His ways. Despite the unsettling events, the congregation stayed together for several hours, offering support and seeking understanding amidst the confusion.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Germany expressed gratitude that the situation didn’t escalate further and lamented the tragic turn of events that unfolded later at Polite’s residence.
“I really thank God because I was informed after church the police were at his house and found (a relative) shot to death,” Germany said.
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