Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, WBIR TV, Out & About
Knoxville, Tenn -- Police say that the man who killed two and wounded six others at a gay-affirming Knoxville church planned and staged his attack at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in order to kill liberals "who are ruining the country."
Jim David Adkisson, 58, of Powell wrote a four-page letter in which he stated his "hatred of the liberal movement," Knoxville Police Chief Sterling P. Owen IV said Monday morning. "Liberals in general, as well as gays."
More than 200 people were packed into the church's sanctuary watching the children's musical, "Annie Jr." when a gunman opened fire at 10:18 am Sunday.
Police and witnesses said that one of the people killed, Greg McKendry, 60, confronted Adkisson, who shot him with a 12-gauge shotgun.
Witness Barbara Kemper said Adkisson walked past the area where children were awaiting their stage call and into the sanctuary.
Witnesses said Adkisson did not aim the shotgun at children but focused on the pews filled with adults. The first blast left many wondering if the disabling boom was part of the musical program.
Adkisson was subdued by several church members after firing three rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the congregation.
Several witnesses said Adkisson didn't say a thing before he began firing. Kemper, however, said Adkisson was yelling "something hateful."
Witnesses said Adkisson had a fanny pack around his waist that contained extra shells for his shotgun.
Three of those wounded remain in critical or serious condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Two others were treated at a local hospital and released. One of those suffered an injury when trampled as worshippers left the church.
The letter, recovered by police from Adkisson's truck which was parked in the church's parking lot, indicates he had been planning the shooting for about a week.
"He fully expected to be killed by the responding police," the police chief said.
Owen said Adkisson specifically targeted the church for its beliefs, rather than a particular member of the congregation.
"It appears that church had received some publicity regarding its liberal stance," the chief said. The church has a "gays welcome" sign and regularly runs announcements in the News Sentinel about meetings of the Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays meetings at the church.
According to a member of the TVUUC congregation who posted a blog entry at Moderate Voice, the church had only recently added the sign welcoming gays.
The Tennessee gay paper, Out & About reports that the church is home to Knoxville's Spectrum Caf�, which is a social gathering place for Knoxville area high school youth who "support the principles of diversity, tolerance, and the worth and dignity of every human being."
The group welcomes those who "self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, or who are questioning their sexual or gender identity."
David Massey is one of the coordinators of Spectrum Caf�, also known as "Spectrum Diversi-Tea and Coffee House," which will begin its eighth year this spring. "We advertise it as a safe harbor for teens who identify as LBGTQ and their straight friends and allies, plus any other youth who are being harassed for religious beliefs, appearance, or abilities," Massey said in an interview with UU World Magazine.
Teens who come to Spectrum respect each others' ideas, religious views, race, sexual orientations, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds.
The Knoxville Monday Gay Men's Group also meets at the church each Monday, Out & About reports.
The church's Web site states that it has worked for "desegregation, racial harmony, fair wages, women's rights and gay rights" since the 1950s. Current ministries involve emergency aid for the needy, school tutoring and support for the homeless, as well as a Spectrum Cafe, Knoxville News Sentinel reports.
Adkisson does not appear to be a member of any church himself, Owen said.
In a search warrant application obtained by WBIR TV, police say that "Adkisson made statements that because he could not get to the leaders of the liberal movement that he would then target those that had voted them in to office."
The search warrant also indicates he sawed off the shotgun used in the TVUUC shooting, and that he intended for police to kill him in apprehending him, WBIR reports.
Inside the house, officers found "Liberalism is a Mental Health Disorder" by radio talk show host Michael Savage, "Let Freedom Ring" by talk show host Sean Hannity, and "The O'Reilly Factor," by television talk show host Bill O'Reilly.
Police also found brass knuckles, empty shotgun shell boxes and a handgun in the home.
Full article: Bill O'Reilly, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity on accused shooter's reading list | Knoxville News Sentinel
Search warrant: Adkisson admits church shooting, motives | WBIR TV
Several people shot at gay affirming church in Knoxville | Out & About
hattip: Bilerico Project