NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (TCD) — A 56-year-old man was found dead over the weekend in the home of a 26-year-old man who was caught trying to shoot a pastor while he was giving a sermon.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, on Sunday, May 5, at 1:09 p.m., Bernard Polite reportedly walked into the Jesus Dwelling Place Church and attempted to fire his weapon at the pastor, Glenn Germany, but the gun “failed to discharge.” One of the congregants “took immediate action” and managed to hold Polite down until troopers arrived.
The incident was recorded on Facebook Live.
Polite was taken into custody on a charge of attempted homicide. Court records show Polite is also facing charges of aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person.
Later that night, at 8:15 p.m., Allegheny County Police Department officers went to a home in North Braddock after receiving a call about a man shot on the 500 block of Stokes Avenue. Officers arrived and found an adult male deceased inside. WTAE-TV reports the victim was identified as Derek Polite. He and Bernard Polite are related, but their exact familial connection was not given.
Bernard Polite allegedly told police he tried shooting Germany because “God told him to do it.”
He is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail.
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I can’t believe the level of violence in this story. It’s shocking how someone could be driven to such actions. My heart goes out to the family of the deceased victim. It’s a tragic situation all around.
It’s so tragic to see how religious fanaticism can lead to such horrifying acts of violence. My thoughts go out to the victim’s family during this difficult time.