Worshippers at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania experienced a terrifying ordeal during Sunday service after a man opened fire, targeting the pastor. 26-year-old Bernard Polite entered the church around 1pm and approached Reverend Glenn Germany while he preached.
Eyewitnesses say Polite made direct eye contact and smiled at Reverend Germany before pulling out a gun. Thinking it was a friendly greeting, the pastor was caught by surprise when Polite aimed the weapon in his direction. Quick thinking and divine intervention allowed Germany to duck out of harm’s way just in time.
A brave male congregant then tackled the assailant, allowing Germany and others to disarm Polite until police arrived. When questioned, Polite claimed to be following instructions from God to shoot the pastor. However, authorities suspect mental illness may have played a role, as Polite mentioned hearing voices in his head.
In a shocking Church shooting, investigators later discovered a deceased person in Polite’s nearby home. While the victim’s relation to the attacker remains unclear, this tragic loss compounds the disturbing nature of the church shooting. Polite is now charged with attempted homicide and faces serious consequences if convicted.
Thankfully, no one was physically harmed in this harrowing ordeal. Reverend Germany credits his survival to God’s divine protection. While the congregation is rattled, their faith and community spirit remain strong. This traumatic incident highlights the need for continued mental health awareness and support networks for those struggling silently with psychological duress.
As the justice system determines Polite’s fate, may this church choose the path of forgiveness. Their compassion could help address root causes and prevent similar tragedies by uplifting society as a whole.
