Police in Nashville, Tennessee say that a mass shooting on Sunday at the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ left one woman dead, and seven other people injured.
Gunman opens fire at Church of Christ Burnette Chapel on Pin Hook Road. 1 woman dead in parking lot…6 other innocents shot… pic.twitter.com/yuwjfGPjXs
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) September 24, 2017
“Gunman wounded and at hospital,” police said on Twitter. “1 other victim pistol whipped and at hospital.” They later identified the victim who died: 39-year-old Tennessee woman Melanie Smith. The alleged shooter, 25-year-old Emanuel Kidega Samson, will be charged with murder and attempted murder.
Gunman in church shooting is Emanuel Kidega Samson, 25. He has been released from hospital and will be charged with murder and att murder. pic.twitter.com/VuCUgJ3JIQ
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) September 24, 2017
The Nashville Fire Department originally said eight people, including the gunman, were shot and getting treated at local hospitals. They called it a “mass casualty situation,” and that everyone wounded except one was over the age of 60.
This remains under investigation, with other churchgoers talking to police. Officials neither explained how the alleged gunman was injured neither did they supply a motive.
LawNewz.com reached out to the Metro Nashville Police Department for comment. A spokeswoman said that further information would forthcoming.
Update – Sept 24, 7:19 p.m.: Police have now identified the alleged shooter and the victim who died. The article has been changed to reflect this.
[image via Metro Nashville Police Department]
