Gunman attempts to shoot Pennsylvania pastor mid-sermon, video shows

NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. ( WTAJ ) – A Pennsylvania pastor was almost shot mid-sermon on Sunday after a man walked up to the pulpit and pulled a handgun that ended up misfiring.

The frightening scene was also captured during the church’s Facebook livestream.

Pastor Glenn Germany was preaching at the Jesus Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock when a man identified as Bernard Polite, 26, attempted to shoot him, authorities said. Germany told police that he had earlier noticed Polite enter the church briefly before going back outside. When the service started, Germany said Polite was sitting in the front.

A few minutes into the service, Polite stood up, walked into the frame of the livestream camera and attempted to fire the gun at Germany, the video shows.

The gun misfired as Germany attempted to take cover behind the pulpit.

As seen in the video, a church member ran up behind Polite and pulled him to the ground. Germany and another member also helped restrain the gunman.

“God told me to do it,” the gunman told Germany, according to statements Germany gave to police.

Following his arrest, Polite allegedly told authorities that he needed to “clear his head” by being in jail, and that he had planned to shoot Germany and wait to be apprehended. It was noted in a criminal complaint that Polite’s gun was loaded, but jammed when he pulled the trigger.

“I thank God because only God stopped and jammed this gun,” Germany told Pittsburgh-based KDKA .

The church took to Facebook Monday morning to say they’re thankful no one was hurt during the incident. They also credit God for keeping them safe.

“Pastor Glenn is doing fine and he says he is doing great and Blessed to be alive!” one of the posts reads.

Polite was arraigned on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. His bail was denied, and he was placed in Allegheny County Prison.

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