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US Pastor Forgives Gunman Who Nearly Killed Him

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

PITTSBURGH (Worthy News) – A pastor in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania says he has forgiven the man who nearly shot and killed him during last Sunday’s church service.

Glenn Germany believes he’s alive thanks to the “ways of God,” precisely what he was preaching when a man pulled a trigger in front of his face.

The May 5 incident happened during a live-streamed worship service at his non-denominational Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church on the outskirts of Pittsburgh.

Germany was delivering a sermon about “walking in the ways of God” when a young man in a black T-shirt calmly walked up to the pulpit.

He then raised his handgun toward Germany’s face and pulled the trigger, according to video footage seen by Worthy News.

Germany covered his head with his hands and bolted behind a lectern.

The deacon behind the video camera, Clarence McCallister, was about 20 feet (6 meters) away when he saw the gunman aim at Germany. But no gunshot was heard. “The (bullet) got caught in the chamber. The gun actually got jammed,” McCallister told U.S. broadcaster CNN.

GUNMAN TACKLED

But before the gunman had a chance to fire again, McCallister – a former cross-country runner – sprinted from behind his tripod. He then jumped over a wood railing and landed in the pulpit – where he promptly tackled the gunman to the ground.

The pastor then moved forward, keeping the gunman firmly to the ground, saying, “I got him.” Worshipers could be heard shouting: “Call the police, call the police,” who apparently arrived shortly after the incident, Worthy News learned.

No injuries were reported.

“He didn’t really put up a fight,” Germany said in published remarks.

While McCallister wrangled the gun away, the pastor was able to restrain the suspect by himself while waiting for police.

The pastor asked the gunman why he did it. “He told me the spirits got into his head,” Germany recalled. However, “Look, I’m not mad at you,” the pastor recalled telling the gunman. “I understand. I want you to know I love you.”

The gunman “said he was sorry. He apologized to me,” Germany said.

RELATIVE DEAD

Soon after, the suspect’s relative was found dead in the gunman’s home, police confirmed.

The pastor extended an offer to the man who nearly ended his life. “I just told him if you need anything, this is my name, and get in touch with me. And as much as I can help you while you’re [incarcerated], I’ll help.”

Police arrived and took the suspect, 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite, into custody. They also examined the gun and opened it for Germany to see, the pastor said.

Indeed, there was a live bullet that got lodged in the chamber. “You can see the dents in the bullet where it was stuck,” Germany said.

The pastor said he is processing the trauma well, but his daughter was shocked after learning her father was nearly killed.

“The thing that hurt me the most was … watching her go through the pain,” Germany added. That’s why he took his daughter to a restaurant with games to help distract her from the near tragedy.

Germany explained that his thoughts are now with the suspect’s family. Hours after the horror at the church Sunday, police found the body of 56-year-old Derek Polite at Bernard Polite’s home.

QUESTIONS REMAIN

Authorities said Derek Polite, who was shot, was a relative of Bernard Polite. But police did not say how the men were related.

Derek Polite’s death remained under investigation, and no charges had been filed, Allegheny County police told CNN.

Bernard Polite remains in custody for the church incident, charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person, court records showed.

The attack highlighted broader concerns about the many readily available weapons in the United States.

The pastor said the incident also showed him the faithfulness of God, especially during the most difficult times. “Most people say this is a miracle. But I see it as the ways of God. If you walk in the way God wants you to walk, you get the protection of God,” Germany stressed.