A man carrying a loaded gun and a large amount of ammunition was stopped by a security guard inside a Houston church before any shots were fired, according to police.
Authorities identified the suspect as 23-year-old Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi. He has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, based on court records.
The incident happened March 15 at Eden Church, which holds Sunday services at the Post Entertainment Center in downtown Houston. Police say the situation could have turned far more serious if not for the quick response of the church’s security team.
According to investigators, a member of that team recognized Mbwavi when he arrived. He had reportedly been asked to leave the property about two months earlier after attempting to distribute flyers that were described as concerning. Because of that prior encounter, the church’s pastor asked security to keep an eye on him.
A security guard later told police he noticed Mbwavi wearing a backpack and behaving in a way that raised concern. At one point, Mbwavi followed a pastor into a bathroom area and was seen going in and out several times before blending back into the crowd.
The situation escalated when another pastor approached Mbwavi to speak with him. During that interaction, the guard said he spotted the grip of a handgun in Mbwavi’s pocket. Believing there was an immediate threat, the guard moved in.
According to court documents, the guard saw Mbwavi reach toward the weapon and tackled him before he could draw it. The guard later told police he feared Mbwavi was about to open fire on members of the congregation or the security team.
As the struggle unfolded, Mbwavi was reportedly holding his cellphone and counting down, which led the guard to worry there could be an explosive device involved. Other members of the security team, along with people attending the service, rushed in to help restrain him.
While being held on the ground, Mbwavi allegedly made threatening statements, including saying he intended to kill the church’s pastor, whom he called a “fake prophet.” He also described himself as a “prophet called Warlock,” according to police.
Investigators said Mbwavi’s phone was open to a notes app that contained references to killing the pastor. Officers also recovered a .22-caliber revolver loaded with six rounds, along with more than 100 additional rounds of ammunition in his backpack.
