- Three people were shot at a church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, on Thursday, police said.
- Vestavia Hills Police said two people were dead and one was injured.
A shooting at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, on Thursday left at least two people dead and one wounded, according to police.
Vestavia Hills Police Department Capt. Shane Ware said during a press briefing that the wounded person was being treated for an “unknown injury” at a local hospital.
“From what we’ve gathered from the circumstances of this evening, a lone suspect entered a small group church meeting and began shooting,” said Ware.
He added that the shooting suspect was in custody but did not provide details on the person’s identity. “I would like to reiterate that there is no threat to the community at this time,” said Ware.
Vestavia Hills is a southeastern suburb of Birmingham.
Police were dispatched to the church at 6:22 p.m. after receiving a call about an active shooter at the church. Multiple law enforcement and fire departments responded to the scene.
According to the calendar on the church’s website, a “Boomers Potluck Dinner” was scheduled for Thursday evening from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
“You never want something like this to happen in your community,” Rev. Kelley Hudlow from the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama told Advance Local.
“It is shocking that it happened here but we are going to love each other and take care of each other and find our way forward,” Hudlow added. “We are praying for the people who have been hurt, the doctors and nurses that are helping them and we are also praying for this community that is going to be shocked and hurt by this.”
A group of people gathered at a nearby grocery store to hold a prayer circle for the victims of the shooting, local outlets reported.
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The Vestavia Hills Police Department did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.
Ware said another press conference would be held on Friday at 9.30 a.m. local time.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
