Armed Man Claiming to be 'Prophet' Arrested at Texas Church

Suspect had loaded gun, 100 rounds of ammunition, and note to 'kill' pastor

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:35pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a loaded revolver and ammunition against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the threat of gun violence at a church.A recent wave of threats and violence at places of worship exposes the need for improved security and mental health resources in local communities.Houston Today

Emmanuel Ashono Mbwavi, 23, is accused of threatening to kill a Texas pastor during a church service while carrying a loaded gun and about 100 rounds of ammunition, according to authorities. A church security team member tackled him after allegedly seeing him try to pull a pistol from his pocket.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges churches face in balancing security and safety concerns with maintaining an open and welcoming environment for their congregations. It also raises questions about mental health, extremism, and the accessibility of firearms.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, Mbwavi declared himself 'a prophet called Warlock' and shouted 'I'm gonna kill Jared, who is a fake prophet. I am a prophet called Warlock' during the confrontation. Authorities recovered a loaded .22 caliber revolver and about 100 additional rounds of ammunition in Mbwavi's backpack. A memo on his phone allegedly included the message 'Kill Jared Darby in downstairs restroom with bag' and details about the pastor's vehicle.

  • The incident occurred on March 15 during a service at Eden Church in Houston.
  • Mbwavi had previously been removed from the church and denied entry, but returned that day with the firearm and backpack.

The players

Emmanuel Ashono Mbwavi

A 23-year-old man who is accused of threatening to kill a Texas pastor while carrying a loaded gun and ammunition.

Jared Darby

The pastor of Eden Church in Houston who was allegedly targeted by Mbwavi.

Fernando Romo

A member of the church's security team who tackled Mbwavi after allegedly seeing him try to pull a pistol from his pocket.

Abraham Guajardo

Another pastor at Eden Church who said Mbwavi had previously been removed from the church and denied entry.

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What they’re saying

“I'm gonna kill Jared, who is a fake prophet. I am a prophet called Warlock.”

— Emmanuel Ashono Mbwavi

“Romo's actions 'saved his life and the lives of other church members.'”

— Abraham Guajardo, Pastor

What’s next

Prosecutors have asked that Mbwavi's bond be set at $50,000, citing the use of a deadly weapon and an allegation that he previously failed to appear in court in an unrelated case.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for churches to maintain robust security measures while also fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for their congregations. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing mental health, extremism, and gun violence in the community.