Letter: Tenn. Gunman Hated 'Liberals,' 'Gays'

Adkisson details deep disdain for groups, inability to find work
By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 28, 2008 12:08 PM CDT
Letter: Tenn. Gunman Hated 'Liberals,' 'Gays'
Police cordon the entrance to Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.   (AP Photo)

A letter found in the vehicle of a gunman who killed two people at a Tennessee church yesterday indicated a deep hatred of liberals and gays, and frustration over unemployment, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. The liberal Unitarian church claims involvement with social causes dating to the 1950s, and hosts a support group for friends and family of homosexuals.

The church also displays a “gays welcome” sign, and runs a café for gay and lesbian teens. Gunman Jim Adkisson’s letter also indicated he had planned the shooting for a week, though the church, and no specific person, was the target. The Knoxville police chief said Adkisson, a former soldier, “fully expected to be killed by the responding police.” (More Knoxville stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X