A gunman opened fire on a church in Antioch, Tennessee Sunday morning, leaving one woman dead and seven others injured, including the gunman.
Police have identified Emmanuel Samson, of Rutherford County, TN as the suspect. Samson is African-American and 25 years old.
The tragedy occurred around 11:15 am this morning after Samson entered Burnette Chapel Church of Christ wearing a clown mask and shooting the congregation.
Witnesses say an usher charged at Samson, which began a fight that stopped the shooter. Samson accidentally shot himself in the chest, according to police.
Churchgoers gave gruesome details to media, and one woman interviewed still had blood on her dress.
You can see blood on Minerva Rosa's dress. she rendered aid to her pastor, Joey Spann who was shot in the chest. pic.twitter.com/XE83yH3izs
— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) September 24, 2017
Several homes nearby the church sheltered individuals who fled the gunman.
VIDEO: Woman next door to Burnette Chapel Church Of Christ in #Antioch describes shooting victims showing up at front door. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/zMDVR37pZw
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowWKRN) September 24, 2017
VIDEO: Man living near Burnette Chapel Church Of Christ describes victims of shooting coming to his home; he went to church to help. @WKRN pic.twitter.com/Fp4TgKV82J
— Josh Breslow (@JoshBreslowWKRN) September 24, 2017
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry issued the following statement in response:
“This is a terrible tragedy for our city. My heart aches for the family and friends of the deceased as well as for the wounded victims and their loved ones. Their lives have been forever changed, as has the life of their faith community at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ. My administration, especially the Metro Nashville Police Department, will continue to work with community members to stop crime before it starts, encourage peaceful conflict resolution, and promote non-violence.”
The motive behind the shooting is unknown. This story will be updated as details come in.
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