UU Church shooting

[misterx]

My heart goes out to all those involved, particularly the children.

The one my heart does not go out to is the shooter. He would do this during a children's program? I have different thoughts for him.

The Knoxville news reports a "manifesto" was found in the shooter's car:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/28/church-shooting-police-find-manifesto-suspects-car/
But they aren't saying what it contains. There is of course rampant speculation, which I'd rather we didn't get into here. I'll wait for more facts.

If you're interested, here is the murder warrant against the shooter:
http://web.knoxnews.com/pdf/072708warrant.pdf
I find it bizarrely irresponsible that the paper is not redacting the names, home addresses and phone numbers of witnesses. At worst, this could be endangering their lives if there are other nutcases out there, and at least it could subject them to unwanted harassment and attention. I have already called the paper to request the info be redacted, and emailed them as well. It it technically public info? Maybe. It is still irresponsible? I think so.



On a side note, I think it is time to arm up again. I say that with some sadness. I sold several guns to finance my photography. Maybe it is time to reverse the process.

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Edit:
I just watched a news conference with the Knoxville Chief of Police. He said the letter in the car indicated:

• The shooter indicated one of his reasons as being hatred for the liberal movement in general
  
• The shooter indicated hatred for gays specifically (the church was flying a banner stating gays were welcome)
  
• The shooter chose this church intentionally

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Edit 2: Video about the letter:
http://video.ap.org/v/default.aspx?mk=en-ap&f=tnknn&sf=ActiveStartDate&sd=-1&fg=svip_article_linkExternal
Video is called "KPD Chief talks about the letter found in Adkisson's car"

Comments

[theldara.livejournal.com]

I am agreed. Public record or not, they shouldn't be broadcasting that information.

I've never disarmed... but I'm more seriously looking into getting my carry permit. I haven't done it yet, because I am lazy as all get out, but I should. I doubt I'd ever actually carry, but if I wanted to, I want to be able to.

Edit: Also, to point out - bits of the manifesto have apparently been released, that the church was targeted for its liberal beliefs. There was a Methodist church that I think is right next door... would also be a similar target. I'm betting this nutjob went for the building that had the most people :(

[misterx.livejournal.com]

Actually, I have a CC application around here somewhere on this mess of a desk. Guess I'll wait for payday and then fill it out.

[theldara.livejournal.com]

I need to get one for myself and David. He's the son of a gunsmith, so it surprises me that he doesn't have his yet. I'm a bit torn on it. If I fill it out, then it's *known* that I am armed and my household contains firearms. Yet if I don't have it, and did carry, I could be in a lot of trouble. Changes some perspectives. It's complicated in my head. I'm not sure if it's worth it (both my parents decided it was and both have their permits), but also not sure it's something I should do without. I may just ask Dave to get it (son of well known local gunsmith - of course there's the assumption that he has firearms) and not get one myself. Need to decide.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

Actually you point out an interesting consideration, which was one of the reasons I left my home state of NJ.

When I lived in NJ, I owned several firearms, among which was a glock pistol. I of course had all the correct permits.

The NJ state legislature then passed a law stating that pistols that held more than X rounds were considered "assault weapons", and were illegal. Which put me in a strange position. I couldn't tell it, that was banned. I couldn't own it, that was banned. I was supposed to turn it in, but you can guess how I felt about that. (actually, I think only two guns were turned in, effectively turning thousands of citizens into criminals with the stroke of a pen)

So, I got to wondering when someone was going to look in that fourth filing cabinet from the left, third drawer down, where my permit resided, and notice that I was on record at the police station as owning a banned firearm. This was one of the reasons I decided to move... got tired of expecting a knock on the door.

See my update, the police had a news conference and discussed the letter he had in his car.

[theldara.livejournal.com]

NJ has some crazy laws... from gas, to firearms, to reptiles. I couldn't live in NJ.

Dad had some issues with clips and stuff when some of the federal laws changed and didn't even have grandfather clauses. It was crazy and caused us some headaches. Dave's Dad had even more, since some of the law changes around then really impacted his business :(

That guy was a royal nutjob... thank goodness he did not manage more damage. He was intent it seems on killing as much as he could then going out suicide by cop. Thank goodness for the people who stood up to stop him. The justice system better prevail on this one. He doesn't deserve to ever see freedom again.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I agree, he should never get out.

As a relative of a gunsmith, you may understand my frustration at reading:
"He used a double-barreled shotgun and fired three shots off before trying to reload"
http://dailykos.com/story/2008/7/27/132232/225/590/557761

[theldara.livejournal.com]

How'd they manage to screw that up? Oy. I guess they went off witnesses and the witnesses were understandably confused?

[misterx.livejournal.com]

I don't know. I think the poster didn't understand.

[teal-cuttlefish.livejournal.com]

I saw that sentence in a news report. Not that I can find it now, but I noticed that little detail, too.

[misterx.livejournal.com]

Oops, just read your edit.

Do you have a link to the bits released?

[theldara.livejournal.com]

Kara sent me these, I've not gone out for more yet:

http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=54646&cat=14

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g9dpD-6svyAjrLvcu3lpVB58sL4g

[theemily.livejournal.com]

I was just at lunch and saw that on the TV a few min ago, but I didn't see it was in Knoxville. Freaking Knoxville, where I lifv. WTF people.

Why can't people get it together. stop being psycho, take care of yourself, and start caring about one another. *rants*

[misterx.livejournal.com]

Indeed. (to both your points)

[chelchik.livejournal.com]

The shooters ex wife also used to attend services there quite often, years ago. A couple of my friends were there when it happened, some of them are so in shock they can't even bare to talk about it. Such a horrible thing.

[cuntishness.livejournal.com]

Dear God.
I am missing some vital component of understanding when it comes to people. I really am.