A Pennsylvania man who was arrested after pointing a gun at a pastor in the middle of his sermon has been charged with murder after his cousin was found dead in the gunman’s home earlier that day.
Bernard Polite, 26, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, was charged after entering the church on Sunday and attempting to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany while he was giving his weekly address at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church.
The attempted shooting took place shortly after 1:00 pm on Sunday and was captured on video and posted online so everyone could see the horrific moment.
Around 8 p.m. Sunday, the body of Derek Pilote, 56, was found dead in Bernard’s home, according to KDKA.
On Tuesday, police announced that Bernard Pilote, identified as Derek’s cousin, had been charged with murder in connection with Derek’s death. Local media reported that the two were living together.
Bernard Polite, 26, a Pennsylvania man who was arrested after pointing a gun at a pastor in the middle of his sermon, has been charged with murder after his cousin was found dead in the gunman’s home later that day. .
Around 8 p.m. Sunday, the body of Derek Pilote, 56, was found dead in Bernard’s home. On Tuesday, police announced that Bernard Pilote, identified as Derek’s cousin, had been charged with murder in connection with Derek’s death.
Detectives said witnesses in the area saw the alleged gunman “walking outside the residence” that morning before stopping the sermon.
A neighbor also claimed to have heard a noise that he thought might have been a gunshot.
The criminal complaint against Pilote says he confessed to trying to kill the pastor because, as he told a police officer, “God told him to do it.”
He has remained incarcerated pending prosecution. Bernard was initially arraigned early Monday morning on charges related to the incident at the church, including attempted murder.
Video of the moment at church on Sunday shows Germany staring down the barrel of a gun being fired at him by a disheveled-looking man.
Miraculously, no bullets came out and the shooter was quickly tackled by church deacon Clarence McCallister, who can be seen jumping in front of the camera and tackling the offender to the ground.
McCallister said CBS News who saw “something that needed to be done, and I jumped up and went about my business.”
Germany, whose life was likely saved by McCallister’s quick thinking, called him a “hero” but also credited God for being the one who “stopped and blocked this weapon.”
Detectives said witnesses in the area saw the alleged gunman “walking outside the residence” that morning before holding the sermon.
Polite was charged after entering the church on Sunday and attempting to shoot Pastor Glenn Germany while he was giving his weekly address at Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church.
The pair were then able to keep Polite under control until police arrived and he was taken into custody.
“This guy was just dealing with spirits, he said, and he came in and wanted to shoot someone,” the pastor said.
He said Polite, who eventually apologized to Germany, is clearly dealing with a form of mental illness.
The pastor said he has forgiven his near-murderer, but has not yet personally processed the day’s events.
“What hurts me the most and makes me cry is that I couldn’t see my daughter break down,” she said.
The spiritual leader’s 14-year-old son was sitting between the pews during the service that took a dark turn.
“I still had to be strong, because I had to be strong for her, but I couldn’t stand it, and seeing her is the part that’s hard for me to stomach,” Germany added.
Before the shooting, Germany said Polite gave him a smile and went in and out of the service several times.
Pastor Glenn Germany said Polite finally apologized to Germany and clearly faces a form of mental illness.
Miraculously, no bullets came out and the shooter was quickly tackled by church deacon Clarence McCallister, who can be seen jumping in front of the camera and tackling the offender to the ground.
Video of the moment at the church on Sunday shows Germany staring down the barrel of a gun being fired at him by a disheveled-looking man.
He hopes to use the shocking incident to emphasize the reality and severity of mental illness in his own community and beyond.
The young man now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault and attempted murder.
He was denied bail and will face a preliminary hearing on the charges next week.
