Security guard tackles armed man at Houston church service, police say
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A Texas man armed with a loaded gun and more than 100 rounds of ammunition was tackled by a security guard before opening fire at a Houston church, police said.
Court records show 23-year-old Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Houston police said Mbwavi arrived at Eden Church, which holds Sunday morning services at the Post Entertainment Center in downtown Houston, on March 15.
According to court documents, a member of the church’s security team recognized Mbwavi, who was asked to leave the property after trying to distribute “relevant” leaflets about two months ago.
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Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was arrested on March 15 for allegedly trying to smuggle a firearm into a church in Houston before being stopped by security. (Houston Police Department)
Based on this background, the church’s pastor asked his security team to monitor Mbwavi.
The security guard told police he saw Mbwavi wearing a backpack and following a priest into the bathroom, then going in and out repeatedly and then disappearing into the crowd.
Another pastor confronted Mbwavi, and while the two were talking, the security guard noticed Mbwavi holding the handle of a gun in his pocket, according to court documents.
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Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was arrested on March 15 for allegedly bringing a loaded gun to a church service in Houston, where he was attacked by security. (Houston Police Department)
The guard told police that he saw Mbwavi reaching for a gun and intervened, believing he was about to harm security team members and the congregation.
Mbwavi had a mobile phone in his hand and was allegedly counting down, which led the guard to believe a bomb might explode.
The security team and church members helped the guard restrain Mbwavi.
It was claimed that Mbwavi shouted “I will kill” while he was on the ground. [the pastor]He is a false prophet. “I am a prophet named the Magus.”
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The Houston Police Department unveiled the new image of future HPD patrol vehicles outside the Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown, Monday, July 2, 2012 in Houston. (Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle)
Mbwavi’s mobile phone was allegedly open to a note application containing information about the murder of the church pastor.
According to court documents, Mbwavi was carrying a .22-caliber handgun loaded with six live rounds, as well as more than 100 additional rounds of ammunition in his backpack.
