A lone man fired shots at a small group meeting at a suburban church Thursday night, located near one of Alabama’s major cities. He killed two people and wounded a third before he was taken into custody, authorities said.
The attack occurred at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, a Birmingham suburb, local police Capt. Shane Ware said.
Officers reported to the church after receiving a call reporting an active shooter in the church at 6:22 p.m.
“From what we have gathered from the circumstances tonight, a suspect walked into a small church group meeting and began shooting. Three people were shot. Two have passed away. One is being treated at a local hospital,” Ware said at a news conference Thursday night.
He added that the individual was in custody and that “there was no threat to the community at this time.”
Police declined to identify the suspect or victims, but said they have another briefing planned for Friday.
