Bad time at UU Church
(CNN) -- An armed man opened fire on worshippers in a Unitarian church in Knoxville, Tennessee, during a children's play Sunday, critically wounding seven people, police and church members said.
People embrace outside a Knoxville, Tennessee, church where a gunman opened fire Sunday.
Detectives were questioning the suspected gunman Sunday afternoon after the "horrendous" attack, Deputy Police Chief Bill Roehl said.
"To our knowledge right now, he is the lone suspect in this case," Roehl said.
The man entered the church and began shooting during a children's production of the musical "Annie," said Steve Drevik, a church member who arrived after man's arrest.
"We have a lot of scared, traumatized children and they just don't know what to think," Drevik said.
The seven gunshot victims were taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, just across the Tennessee River from the church, said Capt. Brent Seymour, a Knoxville Fire Department spokesman. All of the wounded appeared to be adults, Seymour said.
About 12 others were treated for minor injuries at the church, he said.
The suspect, whose identity was not immediately released, was taken into custody without a fight after police arrived, Roehl said. Drevik said the man did not appear to be a church member.
"We don't know this particular individual. We may never know why," Drevik said. "All of this will come out in the next couple of days."
In a written statement, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam said the city "suffered a tragedy" on Sunday.
"Our thoughts at prayers are with the victims, their families, and the church community," he said.
But Roehl said many of those still at the church were "very calm" as detectives went over the sanctuary-turned-crime scene.
"It's terrible that you come to church do worship and something like this occurs," he said. "It's very horrendous."
Dear SUUSI Community,
Many of us have heard about the shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church this morning (Sunday). This sad and shocking act brings to mind the TVUUC members and friends who attend SUUSI and help form our wonderful community that we cherish. We know they represent a loving and caring UU community, and the hearts and prayers of SUUSI are with the TVUUC family as they face this tragedy. In the coming days, we'll learn of any needs that we can help meet. Until then, we'll all continue to hold TVUUC tenderly in our thoughts and closely in our hearts. As our friends mourn and question, may our care from near and far be of support though the enduring bonds of love.
Sincerely,
Jerry King, SUUSI Director
Bill Neely, President of the SUUSI Board of Directors
Accused church shooter threatened to kill wife, himself, article, with lots of comments.
http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/28/woman-accused-shooter-hated-anyone-different-him/
posted by Mark Rauterkus @ 7:01 PM
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