5 shot at Illinois church, police say

CNN ^ | 3/08/09 | cnn

[armymarinemom]

(CNN) -- Five people, including a church pastor, were shot inside the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois, a police dispatcher told CNN on Sunday.

The shooting occurred during a church service, the dispatcher said. The suspect was stabbed by parishioners who wrestled him to the ground.

[LA Woman3]

Web Alert >> LIVE VIDEO: Press conference about Maryville church shooting at 3 p.m.

LINK

[JudyinCanada]

“Is the perp’s name Mohammed?”

First thing I thought. Then I wondered if the pastor was an outspoken critic of the homosexual agenda. After that I thought perhaps a disturbed husband who didn’t like his wife attanding the church.

If it was islam based, do you think that will be reported?

So sad - that poor, poor family.

[TaMoDee]

I’m aware of that. I was just pointing out that when the sat
pic was taken it most probably was a Sunday AM.

[firebrand]

You’re right. Someone is being protected maybe.

[firebrand]

No, I was wrong. Other people wounded by the knife. Unless he grabbed it and started stabbing others.

[firebrand]

No, I was wrong. Other people wounded by the knife. Unless he grabbed it and started stabbing others.

[reaganaut]

I have been hearing about more and more Church’s having security.

---

Our church has a Christian biker group that meets on Thursdays. They also provide security for all our events. I am expecting them to start doing that on Sundays as well.

I live in high gay populated area and my pastor is VERY outspoken against homosexuality. Honestly, I am expecting an attack someday, probably more along the lines of the gay protest in MN (I think). We have had some threats.

Concern aside, I am glad my pastor does not back down.

[Future Snake Eater]

screw the gun laws...carry discreetly. We are not victims.

I agree 100%.

[StarCMC]

No - the shooter pulled out a knife when his gun jammed. Sad situation all the way around. :-(

[Squantos]

It's unfortunate when a little country church such as ours has as many armed men in one spot on a Sunday morning....

Huh ?......IMHO just the opposite friend ! Damn fortunate there are sheepdogs watching over that flock ......there will ALWAYS be wolves !

[hiredhand]

you are right!... but there was a time when nobody would have thought they had to be armed here. But I DO agree with you. WOOF!

[reaganaut]

yeah, but getting a CCW in CA is near impossible.

[Squantos]

Thus the pastor was asked why he carried a 45 ? He told the Texas Ranger...because they don’t make a 50 ! (well then they didn’t)........:o)

[reaganaut]

Probably not. In the liberals mind Christians “hate”, its ok to hate Christians.

[mommya]

Last I heard on the local news - the guy’s car (jeep I think) is still in the parking lot - according to asst. pastor (thru media) no one at the church recognized him.

[hiredhand]

I’m in the ‘parlor’ at church now ... probably 13 people in the room and counting SP there are 4 people who I know are armed...maybe more. :-)

[LA Woman3]

UPDATE

Larry Trent, director of the Illinois State Police, said during a 3:10 p.m. press conference in Collinsville that the killer of the Rev. Fred Winters is a 27-year-old man from Troy, Ill., whose motive remains unknown. The man has no criminal record nor a state firearms-owner ID, and as far as police know is not married.

"We haven't spoken with him yet," Trent said. "He's still in surgery."

The man walked into the First Baptist Church of Maryville about 20 minutes into this morning's service, approached Winters, had a short conversation with him and then fired four times before his .45-caliber semi-autmatic handgun jammed, Trent said.

The first shot clipped a Bible, sending paper shreds into the air like "confetti." Trent said one shot hit Winters, 45, in the chest.

"Some thought it was some type of skit or program at the time," Trent said

Two members of the congregation jumped the gunman and were slashed with a knife that also wounded the gunman. One of the church members was treated at a hospital and released; the other was hospitalized. Trent called them "heroic" for stepping in.

Trent said the man in custody will not be identified publicly until charges are filed. He said church members said they did not recognize him, although it seemed the pastor might have. Police will review video and audio tapes made of the service, he said.

[Squantos]

Texting at church ?!?!?!? SP’s gonna whup you !!!!....:o)

[LA Woman3]

[hiredhand]

SP is sitting in front of me and doesn’t know. :-)