A potentially tragic incident was averted in Houston when a vigilant security guard intercepted a man armed with a loaded firearm and over 100 rounds of ammunition inside a local church, authorities reported.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi, is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to court documents.
On March 15, Houston police stated that Mbwavi arrived at Eden Church, which conducts its Sunday services at the Post Entertainment Center located in downtown Houston.
Mbwavi had previously been asked to leave the premises two months prior for distributing “concerning” flyers, as noted in court filings. A member of the church’s security detail recognized him upon his return.
Due to Mbwavi’s past behavior, the pastor instructed the security team to keep a close watch on him.
The security guard observed Mbwavi entering the building with a backpack, trailing a pastor into the restroom, and repeatedly moving in and out of the area before blending into the congregation.
According to court documents, another pastor confronted Mbwavi, and while the two were speaking, the security guard noticed Mbwavi holding the grip of a pistol in his pocket.
The guard told police he saw Mbwavi reach for the gun and tackled him, believing he was about to harm members of the security team and congregation.
Mbwavi had his cellphone in his hand and was allegedly counting down, leading the guard to believe a bomb could be detonated.
The security team and members of the church assisted the guard in restraining Mbwavi.
While on the ground, Mbwavi allegedly shouted, “I’m going to kill [the pastor], who is a fake prophet. I am a prophet called Warlock.”
Mbwavi’s cellphone was allegedly open to a notes application containing information about killing the church’s pastor.
Mbwavi was carrying a .22-caliber revolver loaded with six live rounds, along with more than 100 additional rounds in his backpack, according to court documents.
