Armed Man Walked Into a Church With a Gun in Texas — What Police Found on His Phone Was Chilling

A man has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after threatening to kill a Texas pastor during a church service on March 15. According to authorities, the self-proclaimed “prophet called Warlock” was carrying a loaded gun and 100 rounds of ammunition.

According to a member of the church’s security team, the man was asked to leave the church previously after he was caught allegedly distributing “concerning files” to members of the house of God.

The man has been identified as Emmanuel Ashono Mbwavi, 23. The security team member named Fernando Romo said that he recognized Mbwavi from the previous incident. He sounded the alarm when he noticed Mbwavi carrying a backpack and hiding something on the right side of his body.

In his complaint, Romo said he was keeping a watch on Mbwavi as Pastor Jared Darby spoke inside the church. At one point, the man allegedly attempted to take out a pistol from his pocket. The security team member was immediately alarmed and tackled him to the ground before he could open fire.

Romo alleged that Mbwavi was counting down while on the ground and was trying to press the screen of his cellphone. The security personnel believed he was going to detonate an explosive device. Mbwavi was also shouting, “I’m gonna kill Jared, who is a fake prophet. I am a prophet called Warlock,” during his struggle with Romo.

As per the complaint, authorities found a .22 caliber revolver on Mbwavi. It was loaded with six live rounds, with an additional 100 rounds of ammunition inside his backpack. There was also a chilling message on his cellphone that said, “Kill Jared Darby in downstairs restroom with bag.” The message also included the license details of a black Audi SUV Q5.

Surveillance footage later revealed Mbwavi walking inside the church with his hand in his pocket, allegedly holding the weapon. He was arrested at the church for carrying the revolver. Later, a charge of aggravated assault was also filed against him.

His bond is now set at $50,000. According to a motion for bail, he previously failed to appear in court for another case unrelated to the church incident.

Pastor Abraham Guajardo, a member of the church, told authorities that Mbwavi was previously banned from the church. That day, after entering the place, he allegedly began asking “too many personal questions.” He was also seen behaving strangely.

Guajardo thanked Romo for his quick action that “saved his life and the lives of other church members.”