Man caught on camera tackling deacon during mass at church

Stunned parishioners looked on as the man and the deacon grappled on the floor

A Florida man was captured on surveillance video tackling a deacon who was conducting a Saturday evening church service.

Security video from St Coleman Catholic Church on Pompano Beach, Florida, shows the man sitting in a front pew while the deacon was walking back and forth addressing the congregation.

The man then stood up and charged.

As stunned parishioners looked on, several other churchgoers then ran to help as the man grappled with the deacon on the floor at the front of the church.

Thomas Eisel, 28, was arrested on charges of battery and disturbing the peace.

Over the weekend a Broward County judge ordered Mr Eisel held without bond for violating his probation in a separate case in Volusia County.

The Archdiocese of Miami told WSVN the deacon suffered some bruises but is otherwise OK.

Mr Eisel's motive for attacking the deacon is unknown.