A pastor in Pennsylvania is thanking God for sparing his life in a close call this weekend as a man approached his pulpit during Sunday morning attempting to shoot him. The congregation of Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in North Braddock was plunged into fear when 26-year-old Bernard Junior Polite allegedly tried to fire at Pastor Glenn Germany mid-sermon. The terrifying moment occurred shortly after 1:00 p.m. ET, during a service that was being broadcast live.

According to Pastor Germany, the gun pointed directly at him failed to discharge—a moment he attributes to divine intervention. “I’m thankful to God that I’m still here because he definitely pulled the trigger,” he recounted to a local news affiliate. The congregation watched in horror as the suspect, smiling eerily, moved from the back of the church to the front before pulling the trigger. Fortunately, the firearm malfunctioned, providing a crucial moment for intervention.

A church deacon quickly acted, grappling with Polite to subdue and disarm him, preventing potential disaster. Pastor Germany highlighted the courage of this deacon, stating, “He could have lost his life in that struggle, but he sacrificed himself for everyone, and he’s the hero.” The suspect was detained on site and remained in custody until state troopers arrived, securing the scene and ensuring the safety of all present.

Further adding to the gravity of the situation, the Allegheny County Police Department disclosed that a body was found at the residence of the accused, deepening the mystery and ongoing investigation surrounding the incident.

This brutal incident not only showcased the depravity of man in sometimes the least expected situations but also the palpable presence of God’s protection over His people. Pastor Germany, reflecting on the near-miss, expressed gratitude for the failed attempt on his life, seeing it as a testament to God’s mercy. It appears that God, in His sovereignty, is giving everyone involved in this incident a second chance to repent and believe.