In a terrifying incident that sent shockwaves through the congregation of Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, a pastor narrowly escaped death after a man pointed a gun directly at him during a live-streamed sermon. As Rev. Glenn Germany delivered his message, Bernard Polite, 26, made his way to the front of the church, pulled out a firearm, and aimed it point-blank at the pastor.
Shock and disbelief rippled through the crowd, but chaos was swiftly averted as brave parishioners intervened with remarkable courage. Deacon Clarence McCallister sprang into action, tackling Polite from behind and wrestling the weapon away. With the assistance of Rev.
Germany, they managed to subdue the gunman, disarming him and preventing a potential tragedy. Their swift, heroic actions saved lives that day, protecting the pastor and congregation and ensuring that no harm befell anyone despite the severity of the threat.
The Terrifying Moment:
On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, Rev. Glenn Germany was preaching his sermon to his congregation of about 25 people, including his 14-year-old daughter. However, something about one of the visitors caught his attention. The stranger, later identified as Polite, frequently moved in and out of the church, all the while locking eyes with Germany.
In an unexpected turn, Polite walked deliberately to the front of the church, pulled out a gun, and aimed it at the pastor. Shock and disbelief gripped the room. Germany ducked for cover behind the pulpit while Deacon Clarence McCallister swiftly tackled Polite from behind. Together, McCallister and Germany wrestled the gun from Polite’s grip. Despite the intense struggle, no shots were fired because the gun had jammed.
Germany later reflected on the incident, expressing gratitude for what he believed was divine intervention. “He pulled the gun; it clicked,” Germany said in an interview with WPIX-TV. “God jammed the gun so the bullet didn’t come out.” He expressed his profound relief for being alive, emphasizing, “I’m thankful to God that I’m still here because he definitely pulled the trigger.”
Revelation Of A Larger Crime:
As the dust settled, the investigation revealed a more chilling layer to the story. That evening, police found a man’s body in Polite’s residence on Stokes Avenue. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s office identified the deceased as Derek Polite, 56, a relative of Bernard Polite.
Allegheny County police quickly launched a separate homicide investigation into this new crime scene. Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief over the discovery, as they had perceived both Bernard and Derek as polite individuals who had never been known to cause trouble. “Nothing bad has ever happened in that home,” said Guy Diperna, a nearby resident.
Another neighbor, Benjamin Jordan, echoed the disbelief, commenting, “I just hope it ain’t Bernard, that’s all, because he was a nice guy, and so was Derek.”
The Investigation and Mental Health Concerns:
In the immediate aftermath of the church incident, court documents revealed troubling insights into Polite’s mental state. Polite reportedly confessed to police that “God told me to do it,” intending to kill Rev. Germany because he believed that spirits had possessed his mind. He added that he wanted to go to jail to “clear his mind.”
The pastor, who had never seen Polite before, described the gunman as a young man dealing with a mental illness who had seen an open door and decided to enter. Germany expressed sympathy for Polite, saying that the attacker had apologized after the incident and was forgiven. Despite the terrifying ordeal, Germany hoped that Polite would receive the necessary mental health assistance.
Polite was charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. He was held without bail in the Allegheny County Jail and has a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 13.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Polite was directly involved in the death of Derek Polite. The police are continuing their investigation and have requested anyone with relevant information to reach out via their tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
Impact on the Congregation and Community:
The aftermath of the attack left the congregation and local community in a state of shock and disbelief. Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church has long been a place of solace, unity, and peace for the faithful members. The church prides itself on being a welcoming environment where people from different backgrounds can gather and share their spiritual journey.
The attack shattered the sense of security that many parishioners felt in the sanctuary. Despite this, Germany maintained a resilient spirit and unwavering faith. He thanked the congregation for their swift and courageous actions, praising Deacon McCallister for his bravery and selflessness. “He could have lost his life in that struggle,” Germany said of McCallister, adding that his quick response helped save lives that day.
The pastor’s message of forgiveness resonated strongly throughout the community. Members of the church expressed a renewed commitment to support each other and continue their mission despite the incident. “We will not let fear dictate our faith,” Germany declared in a subsequent video posted on social media.
Addressing The Root Causes:
This incident highlighted the critical need for effective mental health support and intervention. Germany and community leaders have been working to increase awareness and destigmatize mental health challenges in their area, urging those who struggle to seek help before they reach a breaking point. While legal action will proceed against Polite, Germany advocates for a compassionate approach that includes mental health evaluation and treatment.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the growing concerns surrounding mental health in the United States. Communities across the nation face significant challenges in identifying individuals in distress and providing appropriate resources before situations escalate.
The attempted shooting at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life and the potential for violence even in places of sanctuary. However, the quick action of Deacon Clarence McCallister and the malfunction of the weapon allowed Rev. Glenn Germany and his congregation to escape unscathed.
As the investigation continues into Polite’s involvement in the death of Derek Polite, the church community remains strong, standing together in faith and resilience. They are determined to heal, forgive, and rebuild while advocating for better mental health support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
