A potentially deadly situation inside a downtown church was stopped in seconds after a security guard tackled an armed man before he could allegedly open fire.
Police say Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi, 23, entered Eden Church on March 15 carrying a loaded .22-caliber revolver and more than 100 additional rounds of ammunition inside his backpack.
According to investigators, quick action by the church’s security team may have prevented a mass casualty event.
Court records show Mbwavi had previously been asked to leave the property about two months earlier after distributing what church members described as “concerning flyers.”
Because of that history, the church’s pastor reportedly asked security to keep an eye on him if he returned.
During the service, a security guard noticed Mbwavi acting suspiciously, allegedly following a pastor into a bathroom area and repeatedly moving through the crowd.
The situation escalated when another pastor confronted him and the guard reportedly saw Mbwavi gripping a firearm in his pocket.
That is when the guard acted.
Police say the guard tackled Mbwavi as he allegedly reached for the weapon.
Members of the security team and churchgoers quickly jumped in to help restrain him until police arrived.
Investigators also revealed Mbwavi allegedly had his phone out and appeared to be counting down, raising fears he might be preparing to trigger an explosive device.
No bomb was ultimately found.
While being restrained, Mbwavi allegedly made disturbing statements, including threats toward the pastor and claims that he was a “prophet called Warlock,” according to court documents.
Authorities later discovered notes on his cellphone that allegedly referenced plans to harm the church’s pastor.
Mbwavi now faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Police confirmed the firearm was loaded with six live rounds and that the additional ammunition was found inside his backpack.
The incident is another reminder of the growing role of private security teams at places of worship, where safety planning has become increasingly common in recent years.
Mbwavi remains in custody as the case moves through the court system.