Armed Man Tackled at Houston Church Service After Alleged Plot to Kill Pastor

April 10, 2026

A Texas man carrying a loaded firearm was stopped by a church security team member during a Sunday service in downtown Houston before he could carry out a potential shooting.

Christianity Today reports that Harris County court records show that Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the March incident at Eden Church Houston.

According to court filings, Mbwavi had previously been asked to leave the church property about two months earlier after he attempted to distribute flyers described as “concerning” to attendees.

According to Christianity Daily, church security team member Fernando Romo observed that Mbwavi appeared to be gripping a handgun concealed in his front pants pocket after Mbwavi was approached by Pastor Abraham Guajardo.

Court documents state that when Mbwavi tried to draw the weapon, Romo tackled him to the ground to prevent any harm to the pastor and others present.

According to the charging documents, Mbwavi allegedly shouted “I’m gonna kill Jared, who is a fake prophet. I am a prophet called Warlock” while he was being restrained. He also allegedly threatened to kill Romo.

After subduing Mbwavi, Romo then took possession of the man’s phone, which was reportedly open to the Notes app displaying a message that read, “Kill Jared Darby in the downstairs restroom with bag in hand.”

Investigators say Mbwavi also had details about Pastor Darby’s vehicle and license plate number.

Mbwavi was initially arrested on a charge of unlawfully carrying a weapon, but prosecutors later added two counts of aggravated assault.

He was taken to the Harris County Jail where he was held on $250,000 bond and is expected to appear in court on May 5.

Photo: top, Credit: Screenshot/YouTube/ABC 13 Houston