NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. — A shocking and potentially tragic incident unfolded during a church service in North Braddock on Sunday when a man brandished a gun, aiming it at Pastor Glenn Germany. The event, captured on video as the church live-streamed its service, revealed a terrifying moment as the gun jammed, sparing the pastor’s life.
Germany, who had never seen the gunman before, recounted the harrowing experience of noticing the man moving towards him and then pointing the gun directly at him. Quick-thinking church members sprang into action, helping Germany take cover and eventually subduing the gunman.
The suspect, identified as Bernard Polite, confessed to authorities that he attempted to shoot Germany because he believed “God told him to do it” and that he wanted to go to jail to clear his mind. Later that evening, a body was discovered in Polite’s home, prompting further investigation as police worked to identify the deceased individual found shot to death inside the residence.
While no charges had been filed in connection with the body discovered in Polite’s home, he was arraigned on attempted homicide charges related to the church incident. As the community grappled with the shocking events, the heroism displayed by those who intervened in the church served as a reminder of the courage and selflessness found even in the face of danger.
As the case continued to unfold, with Polite in custody awaiting a preliminary hearing, the North Braddock community was left seeking answers and trying to make sense of the traumatic sequence of events that had transpired during what should have been a peaceful church service. The actions of both the pastor and the brave individuals who came to his aid highlighted the resilience and bravery that can emerge in moments of crisis.