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A potentially tragic incident was averted at a Houston church when a vigilant security guard subdued a man carrying a loaded firearm and over 100 rounds of ammunition, authorities reported. The man, identified as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi, now faces serious charges, including two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
This unsettling event unfolded on March 15 at Eden Church, which conducts its Sunday morning services at the Post Entertainment Center located in downtown Houston. Mbwavi’s appearance at the church was not his first, as he had previously been on the premises just two months prior, distributing what were described as “concerning” flyers, prompting church officials to ask him to leave.
According to court records, the church’s security team was on high alert when they recognized Mbwavi upon his return. Their swift action to tackle him before he could unleash any violence undoubtedly prevented a potential catastrophe.
Houston Police Department confirmed the arrest and the charges against Mbwavi, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and the role of security personnel in ensuring public safety.
Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was arrested March 15 after allegedly attempting to bring a firearm into a Houston church before being stopped by security. (Houston Police Department)
Based on that history, the church’s pastor asked the security team to monitor Mbwavi.
The security guard told police he saw Mbwavi wearing a backpack and following a pastor into the bathroom, then walking in and out multiple times before disappearing into the crowd.
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.
Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was arrested March 15 after allegedly bringing a loaded gun to a Houston church service, where he was tackled by security. (Houston Police Department)
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.”
Houston Police Department reveals the new image for future HPD patrol vehicles outside Houston Police Department Headquarters in Downtown on Monday, July 2, 2012, in Houston. (Mayra Beltran/Houston Chronicle)
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.
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