Developing: Knoxville, TN shooter targeted the "liberal movement" and "gays" (Update w/ video)

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Monday July 28, 2008 · 7:13 AM PDT

2008/07/28 · 07:13

According to a live press conference at 10 AM on CNN and MSNBC, the Knoxville police have recovered a letter in which the alleged shooter at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Jim Adkisson, says that he was angry and upset that he was unable to obtain a job. He blamed the "liberal movement" and reported anger about "gays". Two people were killed.

Update #1: Fox News Channel is not covering the press conference as of 10:15 AM EDT.

Update #2: Michelle Kosiski of NBC News reports that Mr. Adkisson had just had his food stamps eliminated. The Knoxville police report that Adkisson was formerly a member of the 101st Airborne Division.

Update #3, 10:35 AM EDT: Fox News briefly covers the latest on the shooting, claims that "the mystery continues to develop".

Update #4, 11:57 AM EDT: Video of KPD chief Owen online.

The story was broken yesterday by Elrod, who attends the church in Knoxville and posted a diary about it yesterday.

A police spokesman said that the shooter expressed his "hatred for the liberal movement," according to a 4-page letter found by the police in the shooter's car. "Liberals in general, as well as gays."

Will Robin Smith and the Tennessee Republican Party denounce these attacks?

Will the people of Tennessee rise up in opposition to this act of terrorism?

The 12-gauge shotgun used in this terrorist act was recovered by police. The shooter had 76 rounds which were recovered. He used three.

Thankfully, there were courageous men and women in the church who took action to protect everyone involved.

The shooter expected that he would be killed by police. But a group inside the church was able to apprehend the man and spare his life.

Today, I pray for the families involved.

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