Gunman Opens Fire in Tenn. Church

July 27, 2008 12:40 PM

Approximately seven people were taken to a local hospital, some with head injuries, after a gunman opened fire this morning at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church in Knoxville, Tenn., according to reports.

A suspect was taken into custody at the church, ABC News affiliate WATE in Knoxville reported on its Web site. Witnesses described him as a blond-haired man appearing to be in his mid-40s who was wearing a T-shirt and jeans.

As the armed man left the sanctuary, a witness told WATE, he said, "I have it. I've got it." His face was covered with blood.

According to WATE, several victims were shot at close range.

The gunman entered the church at approximately 10:20 a.m. CT during a performance by children of the musical "Annie" and began firing, WATE reported, adding that none of the child performers appeared to be among the victims.

Police were expected to give the media more details on the incident, but a time for a planned press conference had not been announced as of early afternoon, WATE reported.

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