Video shows pastor tackle gunman to the ground inside Nashville church
Video obtained by FOX 17 News captures the chilling moments a man waves a gun over members of a Nashville church Sunday.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Video obtained by FOX 17 News captures the chilling moments a man waves a gun over members of a Nashville church Sunday.
Surveillance shows the man casually walking up to the altar and placing a book down on the podium before waving a gun over the crowd at Nashville Light Mission Pentecostal Church. Fearful churchgoers can be seen scurrying and running out of the building, while others try to stay calm.
As the man approaches the pews with the gun, the pastor swiftly tackles him from behind to the ground. At least four other churchgoers helped hold down the gunman until police arrived on the scene along West Trinity Lane. Fortunately, gunfire was not unleashed and no injuries have been reported.
Officers identified the gunman as 26-year-old Dezire Baganda. They say while Baganda was being taken into custody, he claimed he was Jesus and that all churches and schools need to be "shot up."
According to police, Baganda is not a member of the church but went to services before the incident. He now faces 57 counts of aggravated assault.
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