A Thursday night event turned into a nightmare at St. Stephens Episcopal Church.
The church, located in Vestavia Hills, AL, saw two of its parishioners die and another sent to a local hospital.
Gunfire reportedly broke out around 6:20 p.m.
Tragic Turn of Events
The church hosted a community event called “Boomer Potluck” when the shooting occurred.
A lone gunman entered the church and immediately opened fire on the group.
Three people were hit, with one being pronounced dead at the scene.
The remaining two were rushed to a local hospital, where one of them succumbed to wounds and died.
The suspect in the shooting was taken into custody.
Vestavia Hills Police Department Captain Shane Ware stated, “The suspect involved in this event is in custody.
“We know of no immediate threat to either the community of Vestavia Hills or the neighboring community of Mountain Brook.”
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey added, “As we are learning about the shocking and tragic loss of a life at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia, we want to offer our prayers for the victim’s family, the injured and the entire church community.
“I am glad to hear the shooter is in custody. This should never happen – in a church, in a store, in the city or anywhere.”
The names of the shooter and victims have not yet been released publicly.
Source: Fox News
