Bernard Junior Polite, 26, is accused of trying to kill a pastor during a sermon at a Pennsylvania church. He entered the Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock, sat near the front, and then approached the pastor with a handgun. The gun misfired when he attempted to shoot the pastor. Polite told police he intended to kill the pastor to clear his mind in jail. Witnesses, including Deacon Clarence McCallister who tackled the suspect, intervened and prevented further harm. Polite was held in place until police arrived, and it was revealed that he claimed to be hearing voices from spirits that encouraged him to commit murder.
McCallister and Pastor Glenn Germany had never seen Polite before the incident. Public records show he has ties to New Jersey. Polite was smiling and claiming to be possessed by spirits as he was being restrained. The church incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Sunday. Hours later, Polite’s relatives called the police to a nearby home where he lived with his cousin Derek Polite. Derek was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head, consistent with the gun recovered at the church. Bernard 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 gun used in the church incident was the same one that was used to kill Polite’s cousin. The firing pin struck the primer but the weapon failed to discharge during the church attack. Polite claimed to be influenced by spirits and his behavior indicated a possible mental illness. McCallister emphasized the seriousness of mental illness and the need to recognize and address it properly. The suspect’s state of mind at the time of the incident raises questions about his mental health and stability. Investigators are likely looking into his background and any potential history of mental health issues that could have contributed to his erratic behavior.
The swift actions of witnesses, including McCallister and Germany, prevented a tragic outcome at the church. Their courage and quick thinking stopped the suspect before anyone was seriously harmed. Polite’s alleged intentions of killing the pastor raise concerns about potential motives and underlying issues. The incident has prompted discussions about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for proper support and resources for individuals struggling with mental illness. Polite’s violent behavior and claims of being influenced by spirits highlight the complexity of the situation and the challenges in addressing mental health issues before they escalate to dangerous levels.
The details of the case paint a troubling picture of a man who allegedly attempted to commit a murder in a place of worship and was later implicated in the death of his cousin. The interconnected nature of the two incidents raises questions about Polite’s mental state and any potential warning signs that may have been missed. The involvement of spirits and claims of possession add a layer of complexity to the situation, prompting further investigation into the suspect’s background and possible mental health history. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of these events and the need to address mental health issues more effectively to prevent future tragedies. Hopefully, this case will spark conversations and action towards improving mental health support and awareness in order to protect individuals and communities from similar incidents in the future.
