Shooting at Unitarian Universalist Church [ATTN: Pink Pistols]

[K. Darien Freeheart]

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Two-Killed-During-Fatal-Shooting-At-Gay-Friendly-Knoxville-Tennessee-Church/Article/200807415057730?lpos=World%2BNews_6&lid=ARTICLE_15057730_Two%2BKilled%2BDuring%2BFatal%2BShooting%2BAt%2BGay-Friendly%2BKnoxville%252C%2BTennessee%2BChurch

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Seven adults were also injured at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville.

No children, who had been singing songs from the musical Annie to the 200-strong congregation, were harmed.

Television reports said the gunman burst into the church and indiscriminately opened fire at parishioners.

He was eventually stopped by members of the congregation while he was reloading and taken into police custody.

City spokesman Randy Kenner said Jim D Adkisson had been charged with first-degree murder and was being held on $1 million bail.

It is reported he had concealed his gun in a guitar case and shouted "hateful" words during his shooting spree.

Greg McKendry, a longtime church member and usher, was killed while Linda Kraeger died at the University of Tennessee Medical Centre a few hours after the shooting.

Church member Barbara Kemper said Mr McKendry had stood in front of the gunman and "took the blast" to protect others.

Five people remain in hospital, all in critical or serious conditions. Two others were treated and released.

A motive has not yet been established but some believe the liberal church may have been targeted because it allows gay ministers and marriages.