Pennsylvania state police say a man tried to shoot a pastor because, according to him, "God said so," but when his gun failed to fire, he was intervened and neutralized by a member of the congregation.
Police said the incident happened on Sunday while the service was being broadcast live.
According to eyewitnesses, Bernard J. Polite, 26, entered the church around 1 p.m. and walked to the front as Pastor Glenn Germany was preaching.
The pastor told local television that Polite smiled at him and they made eye contact just before he pointed a gun at him and then a parishioner jumped on Polite.
The congregation seized the gun and held Polite until state police arrived.
According to court documents, Polite said "God told me to do this" and planned to shoot the pastor to go to jail and clear his mind.
