This absolutely crazy story happened on Sunday at Jesus' Dwelling Place Church in North Praddock, Pennsylvania.
Pastor Glenn Germany was giving his sermon when a gunman, Bernard Junior Polite, who heard "spirits" in his head that "got in my mind and told me to shoot the pastor," made his way to the front of the church. Luckily, his gun jammed.
Here's the tape from the church's live feed.
"God had his hands on the pastor," said Deacon Clarence McCallister, who can be seen in the video taking down the gunman. McCallister had been manning the camera when Polite approached Pastor Germany. His quick response, even with the gun jam, may have saved the pastor's life.
‘He pulled the gun; it clicked,' Germany said. ‘You heard him shoot it. God jammed the gun so the bullet didn't come out.'
Pennsylvania State Police say the gunman was Bernard Junior Polite, 26, from Braddock.
The small congregation had about 25 parishioners, including Germany's daughter, when police say Polite walked from the back of the church to the front pew.
‘He stood up and he smiled at me. [And] it was just a smile,' Germany said. ‘He comes to right here and then all of a sudden, that's when I see him pull the gun and all I could do is duck and try to get out of the way.'
The pastor quickly dove behind the pulpit and the gunman walked after him.
That's when Deacon Clarence McCallister, 63, quickly took Polite, who was still holding the gun, to the ground. McCallister was behind the camera taping the service a few feet away …
Both Germany and McCallister wrestled the gun from the man's hands and held him down until police came. Troopers took Polite into custody.
Polite reportedly told the pastor voices in his head told him to shoot him.
‘He said, "The spirits were in my mind,"' Germany said. ‘"They got in my mind and told me to shoot the pastor."'
Man hears "spirits" in his head, takes aim, and the gun jams.
Despite nearly losing his life, Germany said he doesn't hold anything against Polite.
‘He actually apologized to me,' he said. ‘I told him that "I forgive you and want you to know I love you," but yes, I definitely forgave him.'
Polite is facing attempted homicide charges.
A man tries to kill you during your sermon and you're already forgiving him.
That's what forgiveness is all about!
God bless Pastor Glenn Germany!
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