Bernard Polite: Man who tried shooting pastor during livestreamed sermon charged with murder of his cousin

PENNSYLVANIA: Bernard Polite, the individual who brandished a firearm at a Pennsylvania pastor during a livestreamed sermon, now faces charges related to the fatal shooting of his cousin, Derek Polite, just hours prior to the alarming church incident.

The homicide charge was issued late Tuesday, May 7, following the discovery of Derek's body in Polite's North Braddock home on Sunday night.

Insights into Bernard Polite's shocking livestream shooting of pastor

Relatives stumbled upon the grim scene after viewing the distressing video of Bernard's alleged attempt to shoot pastor Glenn Germany at the Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church earlier that day, as detailed by Allegheny County police.

During the frightening episode, Bernard approached pastor Germany calmly, pointing a firearm, but miraculously, the weapon malfunctioned. "He pulled the gun; it clicked," recounted the pastor. "God jammed the gun so the bullet didn’t come out," reported WPXI.

Subsequently, Bernard was subdued and apprehended by the pastor and church officials until law enforcement arrived. Shortly thereafter, authorities were notified of Derek's death, located less than half a mile from the church.

Ballistic evidence links firearm to fatal shooting

“After witnessing reports of [the church] incident, family members of Derek Polite went to his residence in the 500 block of Stokes Avenue to check on his wellbeing and discovered him deceased inside,” police stated in a statement.  

“Through witness interviews, detectives learned Bernard Polite was seen pacing outside the residence the morning of May 5, and later a neighbor reported hearing a noise which could have been a gunshot at approximately 10:00 am.”

Further examination revealed that the bullet retrieved from Derek's home matched the firearm seized from Bernard after the church altercation.

Pastor forgives gunman despite claims of spiritual influence

In a peculiar turn, pastor Germany shared Bernard's claim of experiencing "spirits" urging him to commit violence. Despite the chilling revelation, the pastor extended forgiveness to the shooter, expressing love and understanding.

“He said, ‘The spirits were in my mind. They got in my mind and told me to shoot the pastor,’” Germany claimed.

“He actually apologized to me. I told him that ‘I forgive you and want you to know I love you,’ but yes, I definitely forgave him.”

In addition to the homicide charge connected to Derek's death, Bernard faces charges of aggravated assault and attempted homicide for the church incident.

He is currently detained in the Allegheny County Jail, awaiting legal proceedings.