Burundi-born pastor Ezekiel Ndikumana managed to prevent the possible shooting of parishioners at a Pentecostal church in northern Nashville, Tennessee, according to the New York Post.
According to the police, a man later identified as 26-year-old Dezire Baganda sat in the first pew during the service. Suddenly, he pulled out a pistol and went behind the altar.
“Baganda told everyone to get up while he waved and pointed the handgun at the congregation,” Nashville police said, as quoted by the New York Post. “The pastor quickly tackled Baganda before any shots were fired.”
Authorities said the gun was loaded but never fired.
According to reports, Dezire Baganda has been charged with 15 counts of felony aggravated assault.