SELMA, Ala. (AP) — The pastor and members of the congregation that wrestled a gun away from a man police say opened fired in an Alabama church are being praised as heroes.
James Junior Minter, 26, is being held without bond in the shooting of his infant son, the child’s mother and the church pastor, Earl Carswell, who tried to intervene Sunday morning, according to District Attorney Michael Jackson.
Selma police Lt. Curtis Muhannad said officials believe Minter was upset over a recent breakup with the 24-year-old woman and visitation issues with their son. His former girlfriend’s name hasn’t been released. Police have said the couple’s domestic dispute was the likely motivation.
Minter was arrested shortly after police say he opened fire during a church service at Oasis Tabernacle Church in east Selma, Alabama. He’s expected in court Monday afternoon, Jackson said.
Witnesses told police Minter entered the white, single-story church that sits on a tree lined, two-lane road and sat in the front row between the woman and the baby, according to a statement released by the Selma Police Department. Minter then pulled out a handgun and started shooting, the statement said. The girlfriend, 24, fell to the ground, and Minter fired at her, striking her in the jaw and shoulder. The baby, a 1-month-old boy, was shot in the hand.
Carswell, 61, then grabbed Minter and was shot in the leg. Members of the congregation helped subdue Minter and managed to wrest away his gun, according to police. Minter then ran out of the church.
“A whole lot more people could have been shot,” Jackson said, “They all played a heroic role.”
The pastor, woman and baby are in stable condition.
After he fled the scene, Minter was captured by police less than a mile away. His vehicle was left at the scene and a gun was recovered at the church, the statement said.
Former Selma Mayor and Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church minister James Perkins visited the scene and said he paused service at Ebenezer to pray for the victims Sunday morning.
Pastor, Church Members Hailed as Heroes in Church Shooting was originally published on blackamericaweb.com
