Image: from AshleY X @Aku_700
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies Wednesday, April 8, 2026
HOUSTON — A 23-year-old man remains in custody after a dramatic takedown at a downtown Houston church prevented what authorities believe could have been a mass casualty event. Emmanuel Ahsono Mbwavi was tackled by security at Eden Church after allegedly stalking a pastor with a loaded weapon and over 100 rounds of ammunition.
Mbwavi has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following the incident at the Post Entertainment Center, where the church holds its Sunday morning services.
Confrontation and Takedown
The incident began on the morning of March 15, when a member of the church’s security team spotted Mbwavi. Security recognized him from an encounter two months prior, when he had been asked to leave for distributing “concerning” flyers.
Court documents detail a harrowing sequence of events:
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Stalking: Mbwavi was observed following a pastor into a bathroom and repeatedly entering and exiting the area before merging into the congregation.
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The Confrontation: While a second pastor attempted to speak with Mbwavi, a security guard noticed the grip of a pistol protruding from the suspect’s pocket.
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The Tackle: As Mbwavi allegedly reached for the weapon, the guard tackled him. During the struggle, Mbwavi was seen holding his cellphone and performing a countdown, sparking fears among the security team that he might be preparing to detonate an explosive.
“I am a Prophet Called Warlock”
While being restrained by the guard and several congregants, Mbwavi reportedly shouted threats against the church leadership.
“I’m going to kill [the pastor], who is a fake prophet,” Mbwavi allegedly screamed. “I am a prophet called Warlock.”
Police found Mbwavi’s cellphone open to a notes application, which contained detailed plans regarding the assassination of the church’s pastor.
Arsenal Recovered
Upon searching the suspect, officers recovered a .22-caliber revolver loaded with six live rounds. Inside his backpack, investigators discovered an additional 100-plus rounds of ammunition.
The rapid response of the church’s private security has been credited with preventing a tragedy. Mbwavi is currently being held as legal proceedings continue. Representatives for Eden Church have not issued a formal statement, though members of the congregation expressed profound gratitude for the security team’s vigilance.