A man who opened fire in the middle of a church service in the US state of Tennessee killed two people and injured seven, police and news reports said, according to dpa. At a press conference Monday Police Chief Sterling Owen IV said that police found a letter in Adkisson's car where he expressed a "stated hatred of the liberal movement." The gunman was carrying a concealed shotgun Sunday when he entered the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville and fired several shots before he could be tackled by churchgoers. One man was killed when he shielded others from a shotgun blast, local news said. A woman died in hospital a few hours after the shooting. Owen said Adkisson had 76 rounds of ammunition and a 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun, adding that the letter indicated Adkisson expected to be killed by police. Seven adults but no children were injured. Several victims were in critical condition. The shooter, identified as Jim D Adkisson, 58, was arrested after the incident, news reports said, adding that he allegedly had no connection to the church. His motive for the shooting remained unknown. Adkisson is being held on a charge of first degree murder and a one million dollar bond. Adkisson's arrest warrant describes the shooting as "premeditated and intentional." According to media reports the church is known for advocating women's and gay rights and founding an American Civil Liberties Union chapter. The shooting happened during a youth performance of the musical Annie Jr, Volunteer TV News said.
