Police investigate church shooting as hate crime

The man who attacked Sunday congregants at a Knoxville church was motivated by anger over joblessness and politics, according to Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen, IV.

In a Monday press conference, Owen said the suspect, 58-year-old Powell resident Jim David Adkisson had written a four-page letter before the attack, a type of manifesto in which he laid out his frustrations.

Adkisson, whom Owen says has an AA degree in mechanical engineering, was apparently out of work, and about to see his food stamp benefits decrease. Adkisson has a work history that has ranged all over the United States, and is apparently a veteran of the 101st Airborne Division. Owen said the letter spoke of Adkisson's anger toward "the liberal movement," and gay people.

The letter was found in Adkisson's car after the attack. It indicated the suspect had spent time planning the shooting, and that he entered the TVUUC sanctuary on Kingston Pike Sunday morning with the intent to kill as many people as possible before being killed himself by police. Owen said Adkisson brought 76 shells for his 12-gauge shotgun with him to the shooting scene.

Owen indicated Adkisson likely targeted the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church for its progressive views. The church is well-known in the community as a welcoming congregation for gay Knoxvillians and their families. The church also has a long history of working on behalf of civil rights, aid for the needy, peace initiatives, and other social justice issues.

The FBI is assisting in the investigation, and may consider the shootings a hate crime.

However, attorney Don Bosch says the "hate crime" label will not have much bearing on what could become a capital murder case.

The designation as a hate crime is not a separate offense in Tennessee; rather, it is a sentence enhancer for other crimes.

Bosch says Tennessee's hate crime statute is only used to increase a sentence by a maximum of 12 years.

Capital murder carries the death penalty or life in prison. Bosch doesn't believe the church shooting will qualify for the federal hate crime statue.

"I don't believe the federal hate crime statute will necessarily apply at least to the facts as we know them today, and again given the likelihood of a capital murder charge at this point, that's the most serious offense that he may be facing," Bosch said.

Bosch also says the state hate crime statute is only a good sentencing tool in vandalism or simple assault cases, where the sentences are minimal.

Chief Owen said Adkisson acted alone, and that he brought the weapon he used to the church inside a guitar case. The gun was apparently purchased at a pawn shop approximately one month ago, and the ATF is assissting the KPD in gathering more information regarding the gun's sales history.

Despite the fact that a children's musical performance was taking place at the time the shots rang out, Owen does not believe Adkisson intended to specifically target children.

Several male members of the congregations tackled and held the suspect before he could reload and shoot more victims, an action Owen said certainly saved many lives.

Adkisson apparently suffered injuries in that struggle.

Knox County Sheriff Spokesperson Martha Dooley says Adkisson was taken to UT Medical Center Monday afternoon. He was treated for a dislocated elbow and other medical problems, on which she would not elaborate.

Adkisson was treated and released from UT Medical Center. He is back in the Knox County jail.