A criminal reportedly opened fire in a Knoxville, Tennessee church, where a group of children were performing a play. The criminal, who used a shotgun, is reportedly thought to have targeted the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church because it is very liberal, and allowed gay ministers and gay marriages. Churchgoers dived for cover under pews, but nine members of the congregation were hit before a group of them managed to tackle the gunman as he reloaded. At least two people, Greg McKendry and Linda Kreager, were reportedly killed. Jim D. Adkisson, the 58 year old suspected shooter, has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held on $1 million bail, according to city spokesman Randy Kenner. This tragedy shows the need for armed, law abiding citizens, who can quickly act in self defense:
As I’ve mentioned before, criminals will have guns, regardless of the law. Furthermore, a criminal who is willing to shoot up a church filled with children is not going to be deterred by federal, state, or local laws that prevent them from either owning a gun or carrying it. Indeed, criminals like gun control, since it disarms their victims, making them easier targets.
My deepest sympathies go out to the victims of this horrible crime.