Houston Church Security Tackles an Armed Suspect Carrying Loaded Firearm Inside

A 23-year-old man is facing multiple charges after authorities say he entered a church service in downtown Houston armed with a firearm and ammunition before being stopped by a security guard, as reported by The Gatweay Pundit.

According to court documents cited in reports, Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident, which took place on March 15 at Eden Church.

The church holds services at POST Houston in downtown Houston.

Officials said Mbwavi entered the church building carrying a loaded .22-caliber revolver along with more than 100 rounds of ammunition stored in a backpack. Court records indicate the firearm contained six live rounds at the time.

Armed security guard – Smart move, for this Houston church, which just avoided a massacre. Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi, 23, tackled & restrained, carrying a loaded pistol & 100 rounds of ammo. Charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.https://t.co/NjpaYg5En1

— Naran Row-Spaulding (@NRSmaine) April 8, 2026

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Authorities allege that Mbwavi had a note on his phone referencing plans to kill a pastor.

Witness accounts included in court filings state that he had been acting in a manner that drew attention from church security personnel before the situation escalated.

A security guard reportedly began monitoring Mbwavi upon seeing him inside the building wearing a backpack, noting a previous interaction two months earlier in which he had been asked to leave after distributing what were described as “concerning” flyers.

According to statements provided to police, the guard observed Mbwavi following a pastor into a bathroom area multiple times, entering and exiting the space on three occasions before moving back into the congregation.

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Another pastor later approached Mbwavi and began speaking with him. During that interaction, the security guard reported noticing Mbwavi gripping what appeared to be a firearm concealed in his pocket.

Court documents state that the guard then intervened, tackling Mbwavi before he could draw the weapon. Church members nearby assisted in restraining the suspect until authorities arrived.

No shots were fired during the incident, and no injuries were reported.

The case documents describe the revolver as loaded with six rounds, while additional ammunition exceeding 100 rounds was recovered from Mbwavi’s backpack.

Authorities also cited the alleged note on his phone referencing violent intent toward a pastor as part of the investigation.

The incident occurred during a Sunday morning service at Eden Church, which operates out of POST Houston, a multi-use facility in the downtown area.

Mbwavi remains charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities have not released additional details regarding his motive beyond the information contained in court records.

The response by the church’s security personnel prevented the situation from escalating further, according to witness accounts and police statements included in the case documents.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the incident as part of ongoing proceedings.

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