Bernard Junior Polite, 26, has been accused of attempting to kill a pastor during a Pennsylvania sermon and has been charged with the unrelated murder of his cousin. Police say the cousin was killed with the same gun that Polite used during the thwarted attack on the church. Polite walked into Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, sat near the front, and eventually approached the pastor with a drawn handgun. He aimed the gun at the Rev. Glenn Germany and attempted to shoot him, but the gun misfired. Deacon Clarence McCallister tackled the suspect and held him until police arrived.
Court documents reveal that Polite told police he entered the church intending to kill the pastor to clear his mind in jail. Witnesses heard the gun click, but it failed to discharge. Polite claimed he had been possessed by spirits and sat smiling as he was being restrained by church members. Both McCallister and Germany stated they had never seen the suspect before the incident. Hours after the church incident, Polite’s relatives called police to a nearby home where Polite lived with his cousin, Derek Polite. Derek was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head consistent with the same gun used in the church.
Polite now faces murder charges in addition to attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. He is being held without bail at the Allegheny County Jail and was expected to be arraigned on the murder charge. The pastor and deacon involved in the incident emphasized the seriousness of mental illness and the importance of recognizing and addressing it. Polite’s motive for the attempted attack on the pastor remains unclear, but his claim of being encouraged by voices from spirits raises concerns about his mental state.
The community was shocked by the events at the church, with many expressing gratitude that the gun misfired and no one was harmed. The heroism displayed by the pastor, deacon, and other church members in restraining the suspect was commendable. Polite’s ties to New Jersey and lack of previous association with the church raised questions about what led him to target the pastor. The details of the murder of his cousin added another layer of complexity to the case and highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into Polite’s actions and mental state.
Witnesses to the church incident recounted the terrifying moments when Polite aimed the gun at the pastor and attempted to shoot him. The quick response of the deacon in tackling the suspect prevented a potential tragedy. Polite’s demeanor while being restrained, his claims of possession by spirits, and his alleged smiling during the incident underscored the seriousness of mental health issues. The pastor and deacon’s emphasis on the importance of recognizing and addressing mental illness served as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals struggling with such issues. The case raised awareness about the intersections of mental health, violence, and the criminal justice system.
The investigation into Polite’s actions, motivations, and mental state was ongoing, with authorities working to uncover any potential factors that may have contributed to the incidents at the church and the murder of his cousin. The charges against Polite reflected the severity of his alleged crimes and the impact on the community. The pastor and deacon’s resilience and bravery in the face of danger were praised by many, highlighting the role of community members in responding to crises. The need for support for individuals struggling with mental health issues and the importance of early intervention and treatment were underscored in the aftermath of the incidents involving Polite.