Police: Church Gunman “Did Not Expect To Leave There Alive”
FROM THE DOPPLER 10 FORECAST CENTER… A HEAT ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES UNTIL 7 PM FRIDAY… McLENNAN, WILLIAMSON, AND SAN SABA…AFTERNOON HEAT INDEX VALUES TODAY AND FRIDAY WILL RISE TO BETWEEN 105 AND 110 DEGREES...WHILE OVERNIGHT LOWS TONIGHT WILL STRUGGLE TO FALL BELOW 80 DEGREES…PERSONS INVOLVED IN VIGOROUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ARE URGED TO TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER…
Police: Church Gunman “Did Not Expect To Leave There Alive” Save Email Print
3 comments
A | A | A

(July 28, 2008)—Jim Adkisson, the unemployed 58-year-old former soldier who opened fire Sunday on a church congregation in Knoxville, Tenn., killing two and injuring seven, wrote a four-page letter, which indicates he was angry at liberals and his inability to find a job, police said Monday.

An audience of 200 had just watched the first scene of a children’s' play based on the musical Annie Sunday morning when the shooting began.

Adkisson opened fire with a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun, which he had carried into the church in a guitar case, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen, IV said Monday.

“He certainly intended to take a lot of casualties because he had at least 76 rounds with him,” Owen said.

He fired only three rounds before church members tackled him and held him until police arrived.

“He did not expect to leave there alive,” said during a news conference Monday morning.

Owen said the letter indicated Adkisson had been planning the shooting for “a week or so,” but said Adkisson’s anger had been “building over a long time.”’’

He said Adkisson was a former 1st Airborne Division soldier who had worked in mechanical engineering jobs around the country, but who recently had been unable to find work.

He said Adkisson intentionally targeted the church, which is known for promoting progressive social work such as desegregation and fighting for the rights of women, the homeless and gays.

The church had recently announced it welcomed openly gay members.

Adkisson’s letter ““stated hatred for the liberal movement,” Owen said.

Owen said Adkisson had purchased the shotgun about a month ago at a pawnshop.

Police have collected video cameras from people who were taping the play and are reviewing the video.

Adkisson is held on $1 million bond, facing state and federal charges.

The FBI and the ATF are involved in the investigation.

More Stories
Drug Testing Ordered For Mother Of Murdered Mexia Boy

5-Year-Old Shooting Victim Identified

Manhunt Underway After Violent Central Texas Assault

Swine Flu Claims Life Of Temple Woman

 Texas Man Charged With Capital Murder In Infant Daughter’s Disappearance

One-Car Accident Claims Life Of 35-Year-Old Central Texas Man

Teenage Texas Counselor Hacks Opossum To Death

Five Die Thursday When Train Hits Car
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Kathy Location: Elburn on Jul 28, 2008 at 01:46 PM
My sympathy to the victims and their families. Very tragic.
Posted by: Bob on Jul 28, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Too bad someone didn't grant his wish...
Posted by: SPEECHLESS Location: WACO on Jul 28, 2008 at 11:24 AM
BOY WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO PEOPLE AT CHURCH AND THEN HERE COMES RAMBO IT SEEMS LIKE HE NEEDS TO BE PUT AWAY AND THE KEY LOST FOR A LONG TIME HE HAS SOME ISSUES IT AINT NORMAL TO JUST GO START SHOOTING AT PEOPLE CUZ YOU ARE MAD AT THE WORLD
Most Texas Prison Inmates Face The Summer Without AC
111 Comments
Waco FBI Agent Sentenced In Dog Shooting
62 Comments
Sentencing For FBI Agent Convicted In Animal Cruelty Case Recheduled For Wednesday
40 Comments
Ex-Principal Avoids Prison Time In Graphic Text Message Case
36 Comments
Pregnant Woman, Unborn Child Die In Highway Collision
36 Comments
Teen Killed, Three Others Injured When Car Slams Into Trees
36 Comments
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
Boss of the Month
Who is Central Texas’ best boss? Nominate your supervisor for Boss of the Month!
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
10 On Your Side
Answers from our experts on topics that affect YOU.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!


Full-Time Physical Therapist - Join Metroplex Health System in Killeen as a Full-Time Physical Therapist in our Pediatric Rehabilitation Department. Metroplex offers a very competitive hourly wage and benefits plan. Join Metroplex in “Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ”.

Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com: View More Jobs.