Authorities in Allegheny County later confirmed that they discovered a body at the residence of the accused individual.
The Allegheny County Police Department released a statement confirming that an adult male victim was found deceased inside a residence by first responders. Detectives have now initiated the investigation.
The Pennsylvania State Police reported that the alleged attempted shooting took place at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, Pennsylvania, just after 1:00 p.m. ET.
According to the police, the alleged shooter, identified as 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite, entered the church and tried to shoot the pastor, Glenn Germany, while he was delivering his sermon on a live stream.
According to the police, the suspect attempted to fire his firearm but it failed to discharge. Fortunately, a quick-thinking congregation member and the pastor were able to intervene and subdue the suspect, ultimately disarming him. Thankfully, no one was harmed in the incident.
“I feel grateful to God for sparing my life, as it was undoubtedly His divine intervention that prevented me from losing it,” expressed Germany in an interview with ABC News affiliate WTAE.
Germany recounted a concerning incident where Polite greeted him with a smile right before the assault attempt.
“I was just about to start my sermon when I noticed a man making his way from the back of the church to the front. He settled in the front corner and flashed me a warm smile,” Germany recalled.
“I was suddenly faced with a gun pointed directly at me. In that moment, my instincts kicked in and all I could think of was finding a safe place to take cover,” he recalled.
The pastor commended the brave congregation member who swiftly intervened to restrain Polite, acknowledging his selfless act by saying, “Despite the risk to his own life, he prioritized the safety of everyone present, making him a true hero.”
The Pennsylvania State Police troopers arrived at the scene of the church and arrested the suspect, who had been held there.
The police have filed charges against Polite, but details regarding his arraignment and legal representation are not yet known.
