Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Attempting to Shoot a Pastor During a Service

PITTSBURGH, PA — Bernard Polite, a 27-year-old Pennsylvania man, has been sentenced to a prison term of 20 to 60 years after pleading guilty but mentally ill to third-degree murder and attempted homicide, according to court records. The charges stem from a shocking incident in May 2024, where Polite attempted to shoot a pastor during a church service and was later linked to the murder of his cousin.

Polite’s sentence includes a minimum of 20 years for the attempted homicide of Pastor Glenn Germany of the Dwelling Place Church and an additional 15 to 40 years for the murder of his cousin, Derek Polite. The two sentences reflect the gravity of the crimes, which shook the local community and garnered widespread attention.

A viral video from the May 2024 incident captured the moment Polite walked to the front of the church during Pastor Germany’s sermon and pointed a gun at him. Germany’s quick reflexes allowed him to dodge the threat, narrowly escaping harm. A church deacon heroically intervened, tackling Polite in a brief struggle alongside the pastor to disarm him. The deacon successfully subdued Polite and alerted authorities, according to WMBS Radio.

Following Polite’s arrest, police discovered the body of Derek Polite, who had been shot to death at a residence he reportedly shared with the suspect. The connection between the two crimes led to the additional murder charge.

The incident sparked an outpouring of support for Pastor Germany on social media, with community members praising his bravery and faith. Tazz Jones, a local resident, wrote on Facebook, “Pastor Glenn Germany was there with the man after the man almost took his life. God shows us that He is a protector, a provider, a loving God! He shows us how quickly things can happen and how swiftly God can intervene!”

Polite’s guilty plea, citing mental illness, was accepted by the court, and his sentence reflects both the severity of his actions and the consideration of his mental state. The case has left a lasting impact on the Dwelling Place Church and the broader Pittsburgh community, prompting discussions about safety and mental health support.

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