Police: Man shot churchgoers over liberal views

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Police: Man shot churchgoers over liberal views

Story Published: Jul 28, 2008 at 1:21 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 28, 2008 at 1:49 PM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Police say an unemployed man accused of
opening fire with a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun in a Tennessee
church apparently targeted the congregation out of hatred for its
liberal social policies. Two people were killed.

Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen says a letter, recovered
from the SUV of 58-year-old Jim Adkisson, indicates the suspect was
motivated by his frustration at not being able to obtain a job and
his stated ``hatred of the liberal movement.''

The Unitarian-Universalist church promotes progressive social
work, including advocacy for women and for gay rights.

Owen says the letter also indicates Adkisson did not expect to
leave the church alive.

He says the suspect had 76 rounds with him and ``certainly
intended to take a lot of casualties.''

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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