Man arrested after bringing gun to church service, threatening to kill pastor, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man is behind bars after Houston police said he tried to pull a gun out at a church service and had a note making threats towards people at the church.

Court documents reveal the incident happened at Eden Church, which holds services at Post Houston in downtown.

The suspect, 23-year-old Emmanuel Mbwavi, had over 100 rounds of ammunition on him on March 15 at one of the services, according to investigators.

According to court documents, he went to Eden Church and started handing out flyers that disturbed members of the congregation.

After security removed him, police said he returned with a firearm and tried to draw the gun. That's when investigators said security tackled and detained him until police arrived.

Court documents also reveal he tried to detonate a bomb from his phone and yelled, "I'm going to kill the pastor who is a fake prophet. I am a prophet called Warlock."

But the motive is still under investigation, according to police.

"It's really scary that someone who's giving their life to Christ, or I guess for that matter, whoever their highest being is, would be targeted because they have that kind of faith," churchgoer Kirk Blackim said.

Kirk Blackim is the volunteer head of security at a different church in the Houston area.

"That means I can let my team know so that we can be that much more aware; had they know got this individual, we'd be watching for him specifically," Blackim said.

After police charged the suspect with unlawful carrying of a weapon, court documents show investigators reviewed surveillance video and upgraded the charges to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Blackim said he hopes swift action from security and law enforcement will make a difference in the future.

"Hopefully the judicial system will put him away where he belongs so that he doesn't have the ability to do this again, but that doesn't mean there isn't another one just like him out there somewhere so we all have to stay vigilant and make sure that we protect our churches, protect our schools, and protect ourselves no matter where we are," Blackim said.

Eden church confirmed the incident to ABC13 and said they are continuing to work closely with authorities.