Man Tries To Shoot Pastor During Sermon: PA State Police

NORTH BRADDOCK, PA — A 26-year-old Pennsylvania man is facing multiple charges after authorities said he tried to shoot a pastor during a church service at Jesus’ Dwelling Place in North Braddock Sunday afternoon, Pennsylvania State Police said.

The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m., as Pastor Glenn Germany was giving a sermon. Police say Bernard Junior Polite tried to shoot a handgun directly at him, though the gun did not fire.

"A congregation member took immediate action by grabbing onto Polite," police said.

The member and pastor were then "able to subdue and disarm Polite," holding him until troopers arrived.

Video of the incident was released to multiple outlets including NBC10 Philadelphia and WPXI.

Polite has been charged with criminal attempt - criminal homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.

He was denied bail and is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail.

According to the NBC10 report, Polite was not a congregant of the church. The outlet also reported Polite told authorities that "voices in his head told him do it" and that he was going to "wait to be arrested” so he could go to jail and "clear his mind."