Knoxville Unitarian church murders now being investigated
as HATE CRIME

Bigbear, Yahoo

Jim Adkisson, 58, was charged with first-degree murder after
Sunday's shooting at the Knoxville
church.

The gunman's motive is not yet known. The church, like many other Unitarian
Universalist churches, promotes progressive social work, such as desegregation
and fighting for the rights of women and gays. The Knoxville congregation has provided sanctuary
for political refugees, fed the homeless and founded a chapter of the American
Civil Liberties Union, according to its Web site.

Kemper said the gunman shouted before he opened fire.

"It was hateful words. He was saying hateful things," she said, but
refused to elaborate.

The FBI was assisting in the case in case it turns out be a hate crime, Police
Chief Sterling Owen said. Police were taking statements from witnesses and
collecting video cameras from church members who taped the performance.

There were about 200 people watching a performance by 25 children based on the
musical "Annie" when the shooting took place.

https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/church_shooting