| Sunday Evening Church Services Disrupted By Gunman |
|
|
|
| Written by Jeff Garvas | |
| Monday, 29 August 2005 | |
|
News out of Texas this morning is reporting that a gunman knocked on the door of the Sash Assembly of God church Sunday evening around 9pm, and opened fire shortly after the door was opened. Three people were hit, two of which have died from their injuries. The gunman then car-jacked two women, killing them for their vehicle, only to flee the scene. The shooter then kept law enforcement officials at bay overnight, only to be found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound this morning. This morning, authorities have no reason for the rampage or the targetting of a church. While many people would ask "Why do you need a gun in church?", the fact is more and more mass casualty shootings are taking place at places of worship -- regardless of denomination or demographics. (Click 'READ MORE' to continue) Texas was the scene of one of the first church shootings, when Larry Ashbrook walked into Wedgewood Baptist Church and killed seven teenagers and adults, wounding at least seven others. Ashbrook's house was later searched, and it was found that he was likely mentally troubled. This shooting was instrumental in spawning a law in Texas that allows concealed handgun license holders to carry in places of worship -- if they choose to do so. Violence in a church isn't limited to shootings, either. In December of 2001 Robert Woodward entered a Vermont Church with a knife, threating to hurt or kill himself. Police shot Woodward seven times, claiming he lunged at them with the knife. That case is still pending in Vermont courts where the surviving family has brought a lawsuit against the officers and the town. Family members believe excessive force was used. Appeals court orders judge to rethink church-shooting decision In March of this year Terry Ratzmann entered a church service regularly held in a hotel, shooting and killing seven people before turning the gun on himself. CNN's March 14th story headline for that shooting is similar to today's events: Police: No motive known for Wisconsin killings In today's society, terrorists or would-be terrorists who dislike a specific religion could target larger congregations seeking maximum impact. If a single individual could end those situations before countless lives are taken, why are we making it illegal-by-default in Ohio? These stories make it clear to many that random church shootings by mentally disturbed people or disgruntled members are not going to simply go away. Ohios lawmakers need to realize that making a place of worship a "Criminal Protection Zone" is just asking for Ohio to become the next national headline. Consider visiting google and type the words "church shooting" -- and you'll be supplied with enough information to visit your church leaders and start an interesting dialogue. If you get them to change a policy on carrying, be sure to let us know. |