He hated Christians and liberals.

Why do you think he went after the Unitairans?

Oh yeah?

Bill O'Reilly, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity on accused shooter's reading list

4-page letter outlines frustration, hatred of 'liberal movement'

By Hayes Hickman, Don Jacobs | Originally published 07:44 a.m., July 28, 2008 | Updated 05:43 p.m., July 28, 2008
Knoxville News-Sentinel

Police found right-wing political books, brass knuckles, empty shotgun shell boxes and a handgun in the Powell home of a man who said he attacked a church in order to kill liberals "who are ruining the country," court records show.

Knoxville police Sunday evening searched the Levy Drive home of Jim David Adkisson after he allegedly entered the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and killed two people and wounded six others during the presentation of a children's musical.

Knoxville Police Department Officer Steve Still requested the search warrant after interviewing Adkisson. who was subdued by several church members after firing three rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the congregation.

Adkisson targeted the church, Still wrote in the document obtained by WBIR-TV, Channel 10, "because of its liberal teachings and his belief that all liberals should be killed because they were ruining the country, and that he felt that the Democrats had tied his country's hands in the war on terror and they had ruined every institution in America with the aid of media outlets."

Adkisson told Still that "he could not get to the leaders of the liberal movement that he would then target those that had voted them in to office."

Adkisson told officers he left the house unlocked for them because "he expected to be killed during the assault."

Inside the house, officers found "Liberalism is a Mental Health Disorder" by radio talk show host Michael Savage, "Let Freedom Ring" by talk show host Sean Hannity, and "The O'Reilly Factor," by television talk show host Bill O'Reilly.

The shotgun-wielding suspect in Sunday's mass shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church was motivated by a hatred of "the liberal movement," and he planned to shoot until police shot him, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling P. Owen IV said this morning.

Adkisson, 58, of Powell wrote a four-page letter in which he stated his "hatred of the liberal movement," Owen said. "Liberals in general, as well as gays."

Adkisson said he also was frustrated about not being able to obtain a job, Owen said.

The letter, recovered from Adkisson's black 2004 Ford Escape, which was parked in the church's parking lot at 2931 Kingston Pike, indicates he had been planning the shooting for about a week.

"He fully expected to be killed by the responding police," the police chief said.

Owen said Adkisson specifically targeted the church for its beliefs, rather than a particular member of the congregation.

"It appears that church had received some publicity regarding its liberal stance," the chief said. The church has a "gays welcome" sign and regularly runs announcements in the News Sentinel about meetings of the Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays meetings at the church.

Owen said Adkisson's stated hatred of the liberal movement was not necessarily connected to any hostility toward Christianity or religion per say, but rather the political advocacy of the church.

The church's Web site states that it has worked for "desegregation, racial harmony, fair wages, women's rights and gay rights" since the 1950s. Current ministries involve emergency aid for the needy, school tutoring and support for the homeless, as well as a cafe that provides a gathering place for gay and lesbian high-schoolers.

Adkisson does not appear to be a member of any church himself, Owen said.

"In his written statement, he does not ascribe to any affiliation," the chief said. "It does not appear he's a member of any organized group."

Officers recovered 76 shells for a 12-gauge, semiautomatic shotgun inside the church. Among those shells were three spent rounds. He had carried the shotgun inside the church in a guitar case, Owen said.

"He certainly intended to take a lot of casualties," the chief said.

Adkisson is accused of killing two people and injuring seven others. He is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Greg McKendry, 60. Also killed in the shooting was Linda Kraeger, 61, who was visiting the church from Westside Unitarian Universalist Church.

Injured were Joe Barnhart, 76, and Jack Barnhart, 69, who are brothers; Betty Barnhart, 71; Linda Chavez, 41; John Worth Jr., 68; Tammy Sommers, 38; and Allison Lee, 42. Jack and Joe Barnhart are brothers, and Jack and Betty Barnhart are married.

At about 10:25 a.m., two staffers from Second Presbyterian Church next door, placed a large flower arrangement from their church's sanctuary atop TVUUC's sign along Kingston Pike.

"Our hearts go out to this church. This is our community. We love these people," said Julie Lothrop, assistant to the pastor.

The shooting began at 10:18 a.m. Adkisson was arrested minutes later after being restrained by church members.

Three of those wounded remain in critical or serious condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Two others were treated at a local hospital and released. One of those suffered an injury when trampled as worshippers left the church.

The letter was not addressed to anyone but was signed by Adkisson, Owen said.

Adkisson's criminal history includes a DUI in Calfornia and in Clinton.

He had been a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne, according to Owen.

Public Defender Mark Stephens' office has been appointed to represent Adkisson.

Through a spokeswoman this morning, Stephens said he could not comment.

If the suspect's own resume is accurate, Owen said, Adkisson worked in a variety of places across the country and most recently worked in Knoxville in 2006. The chief did not specify where Adkisson last held a job. Adkisson also holds an associates degree in mechanical engineering.

More than 200 people were packed into the church's sanctuary watching the children's musical, "Annie Jr." when a gunman opened fire.

McKendry, according to witnesses and police, confronted Adkisson, who shot him with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Witness Barbara Kemper said Adkisson walked past the area where children were awaiting their stage call and into the sanctuary.

Witnesses said Adkisson did not aim the shotgun at children but focused on the pews filled with adults. The first blast left many wondering if the disabling boom was part of the musical program.

"We heard the first shot," said Marty Murphy, 66, a church member since 2000. "It sounded like a bomb went off. We thought it was part of the program at first.

"The second shot is when everyone started calling 911 and telling everyone to get down."

Murphy and others said Adkisson didn't say a thing before he began firing. Kemper, however, said Adkisson was yelling "something hateful."

Witnesses said Adkisson had a fanny pack around his waist that contained extra shells for his shotgun.

"There were shotgun shells all over the place, so he must have thought he was going to get more shots in," Murphy said. "He had those shells everywhere.

"Who would have thought, here in Knoxville?" she said.

News Sentinel staff writers Bob Fowler, J.J. Stambaugh, Frank Munger and Amy McRary contributed to this story.

More details as they develop online and in Tuesday's News Sentinel.

News Sentinel staff writers Bob Fowler, J.J. Stambaugh, Frank Munger and Amy McRary contributed to this story.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/28/church-shooting-police-find-man...

The comment is actually from a liberal trying to discredit conservatives, sneaking past Malkin's tenacious screening?

arguing about this tragedy makes about as much sense as a dog chasing a car.
good people died and a kook will be locked away for a long time (hopefully).
let's leave our expert opinions to ourselves.

Noun @ 1:

He hated Christians and liberals.

Why do you think he went after the Unitairans?

He also hates gays and his wife. He's no doubt a card carrying reich-winger.

Spin it as much as you like, reich-wingers, this freak murderer is one of your own.

Riiiigghhhhtttttt. A liberal trying to make the Conservatives look bad. Yep Uh Huh, Suuuuurrreeeeeeeeeee!
I suppose Timothy McVeigh was doing the same thing too.
I have to admit, The Liberals have shown an amazing amount of restraint for the last seven and one half years.
Malkin? Who's that?

I made comment number eight, above, but then scrolled down and saw the piece on the gunman. Right Michelle. That guy sure does look like a liberal.

bush and cheney are actually raging leftists......just trying to get people to hate on the right

Reverend J @ 14:

Uh, isn't this just nutpicking?

You guys kinda bitch a lot when the other side does it, now you're doing it yourself.

Whole lot of pot calling the kettle black methinks.

Yer right. We're sorry. We'll just sit down and STFU now. Thanks so much for the friendly reminder.

Brad @ 5:

The comment is actually from a liberal trying to discredit conservatives, sneaking past Malkin's tenacious screening?

No no no, it's a conservative posing as a liberal posing as a conservative. you are saying he's a double agent, I'm saying he's a triple agent, which is obviously better, by one exactly.

So if it was really a liberal that killed those other liberals then how do you explain his possession of a gun? We all know all liberals don't have guns because the moment we get one we sell it to donate to the ACLU so they can fake moon landings.

pfeld @ 13:

I made comment number eight, above, but then scrolled down and saw the piece on the gunman. Right Michelle. That guy sure does look like a liberal.

snark\ Yah, I mean no one but a liberal trying to pose as a conservative would have all three of those books at home. I'm sure if we went to freepers we couldn't find a handful of guys with 2 of those books let alone all three, I smell coverup. /snark

JinIll @ 17:

Reverend J @ 14:

Uh, isn't this just nutpicking?

You guys kinda bitch a lot when the other side does it, now you're doing it yourself.

Whole lot of pot calling the kettle black methinks.

Yer right. We're sorry. We'll just sit down and STFU now. Thanks so much for the friendly reminder.

Then my work here is done.

If Conservatives were true strict Constructionists, they'd insist that the 2nd Amendment only applies to muzzle loading muskets and flintlocks. Surely the Framers did not predict the advent of double barreled shot guns, assault rifles and automatic pistols.

Snowball @ 20:

Inside the house, officers found “Liberalism is a Mental Health Disorder” by radio talk show host Michael Savage, “Let Freedom Ring” by talk show host Sean Hannity, and “The O’Reilly Factor,” by television talk show host Bill O’Reilly.

I find it interesting that almost every news account I have read on this story excluded this information.

What no The Catcher in the Rye? Shameful, well I guess O'Reilly is the new J. D. Salinger, hey thats better than a Peabody right?

Reverend J @ 25:

JinIll @ 17:

Reverend J @ 14:

Uh, isn't this just nutpicking?

You guys kinda bitch a lot when the other side does it, now you're doing it yourself.

Whole lot of pot calling the kettle black methinks.

Yer right. We're sorry. We'll just sit down and STFU now. Thanks so much for the friendly reminder.

Then my work here is done.

Yeah, concern troll must be a taxing position.

How do we know Michelle Malkin is not a liberal trying to make conservatives look bad? I don't trust her for some reason.

Well, I'd like to see Fux try to put this in the no spin zone.
This is entirely Wiener, Hannity and Billo fault.
OH!!! can't forget Limpbaughlls. Coultergiest, Malkin and all the rest of these cretins.
I was wondering when something like this would happen. I suppose the Secret Service guarding Obama has stepped up their security now. As well they should.

That just shows you how DEVIOUS we Liberals are.

i think its a moderate who hates how liberals look at conservatives when they talk about libertarians who love populists.

*whew!*

Reverend J @ 25:

JinIll @ 17:

Reverend J @ 14:

Uh, isn't this just nutpicking?

You guys kinda bitch a lot when the other side does it, now you're doing it yourself.

Whole lot of pot calling the kettle black methinks.

Yer right. We're sorry. We'll just sit down and STFU now. Thanks so much for the friendly reminder.

Then my work here is done.

Your work was done yesterday in that church. You feast on this sort of violent bigotry. And anything that anyone says to oppose your kind, you already have an answer for.

Get out.

Reverend J @ 25:

JinIll @ 17:

Reverend J @ 14:

Uh, isn't this just nutpicking?

You guys kinda bitch a lot when the other side does it, now you're doing it yourself.

Whole lot of pot calling the kettle black methinks.

Yer right. We're sorry. We'll just sit down and STFU now. Thanks so much for the friendly reminder.

Then my work here is done.

Nice to see that you won't be returning ........

Woo boy. The posters at MM's site are pretty lame. I can't even follow their insults! Now I need a hot shower to wash the conservative stink off of me. Blehhh...

What a nutcase she is! If he hates Christians, he picked the wrong denomination to attack since UUs are not necessarily Christian. I guess she's to stupid to to realize that. No surprise there!

You're right, John.

Pulling and posting "comments" from any political blog is Bush league.

So what's the point here? Their nutbags are crazier than our nutbags?

1. This shooter intended to strike at a fundamental American right to political freedom. He attacked innocents on the basis of their ideology. HE IS THEREFORE A TERRORIST.

2. He should be subjected to enhanced interrogation techniques to determine if he has other cohorts who are planning events as we speak.

3. His mentors (everyone who has exhorted violence against "liberals" either directly or by claiming that "liberals" help terrorists or hate America, and that includes Coulter, Hannity, O'Reilly, Limbaugh and much of the Fear Outrage Xenophobia News Network etc) should be treated as terrorist enablers, just as the Egyptian Imam was charged and convicted for inspiring the 1993 WTC bombers even though he gave them little or no direct material support.

Brad @ 5:

The comment is actually from a liberal trying to discredit conservatives, sneaking past Malkin's tenacious screening?

No, it's a liberal pretending to be a conservative pretending to be a liberal pretending to be a conservative.

oZer @ 7:

arguing about this tragedy makes about as much sense as a dog chasing a car.
good people died and a kook will be locked away for a long time (hopefully).
let's leave our expert opinions to ourselves.

Yeah. 2nded.

I'm out.

I wish the media and the pundits would leave all speculation out of this sad situation. This was murder committed by a deranged individual. To give it any more credence may set this guy up as some sort of hero, which is the last thing anyone would want to see. Just as with the school shootings after Columbine, I see the potential for dozens more just like Adkisson, eating this up in the news and making their grand plans for the future.

Michelle Malkin, loon extraordinaire, comes to the conclusion that someone who hated gays, has always been a southern confederate conservative, and kills people at a (basically) secular humanist church, must be a Christian-hating liberal.

And the media laps it up.

Great job, stenographers. Hope you're proud to be parroting abject lunacy.

Lilybelle @ 52:

Brad @ 5:

The comment is actually from a liberal trying to discredit conservatives, sneaking past Malkin's tenacious screening?

No, it's a liberal pretending to be a conservative pretending to be a liberal pretending to be a conservative.

I'm beginning to have flashbacks to scenes from "Victor Victoria".

I think I smell a deep, dark closet. Does Adkisson have a wife? If so, I'd love to interview her about their sex life. it's the only explanation that fits the profile of this type of crime.

Unlike C&L and HuffPo, where you are allowed to say anything you want excluding flamebaiting and incitement to violence, Malkin's blog censors any comment they disagree with. If the moderators there didn't approve of a comment, it would not have been posted.

oZer @ 7:

arguing about this tragedy makes about as much sense as a dog chasing a car.
good people died and a kook will be locked away for a long time (hopefully).
let's leave our expert opinions to ourselves.

Yeah, the ostrich approach... it always works so well, don't it?

hood @ 63:

Why do we care about that bitch!

Because at some point, another wingnut may take her comments literally and we will see a redux of this tragedy.

That is why we should have 0 tolerance with hate speech, and that is why we should care.

Is there any doubt now that the press dutifully spins as much as they can in a pro-conservative frame? Whether from fear of being called "liberal" for not doing so, or just out of personal conservative convictions.

Talk about fucking absurd PRETZEL-LOGIC.

History records that it has always been conservatives who have gone on these kind of shooting sprees, or committed assassinations.

Plaster everything with the fact that this nonsense came courtesy of Michelle Malkin's website.

It truly makes me ill.

She saw the word "church" and assumed that he was shooting at Christians. If she'd bother to look up "Unitarians" she'd know they aren't Christians. Deist, maybe, but not Christian. They don't believe Jesus is God.

conservatoire @ 72:

Talk about fucking absurd PRETZEL-LOGIC.

History records that it has always been conservatives who have gone on these kind of shooting sprees, or committed assassinations.

Plaster everything with the fact that this nonsense came courtesy of Michelle Malkin's website.

It truly makes me ill.

Always conservatives? I think President McKinley would disagree with that.

General_Rennenkampf @ 76:

conservatoire @ 72:

Talk about fucking absurd PRETZEL-LOGIC.

History records that it has always been conservatives who have gone on these kind of shooting sprees, or committed assassinations.

Plaster everything with the fact that this nonsense came courtesy of Michelle Malkin's website.

It truly makes me ill.

Always conservatives? I think President McKinley would disagree with that.

Taking a cue from the malkinites:

Ah, but if the supposed leftist actually killed someone, then he wasn't really a leftist. Ha -- gotcha with mai awsoom mm lahjuk.

General_Rennenkampf @ 76:

conservatoire @ 72:

Talk about fucking absurd PRETZEL-LOGIC.

History records that it has always been conservatives who have gone on these kind of shooting sprees, or committed assassinations.

Plaster everything with the fact that this nonsense came courtesy of Michelle Malkin's website.

It truly makes me ill.

Always conservatives? I think President McKinley would disagree with that.

enlighten us, please.

Johnny2Bad @ 48:
TROLL ALERT!