One killed in Salmon Arm church shooting, police say
Posted April 14, 2019 1:26 pm.
Last Updated April 14, 2019 9:36 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
SALMON ARM (NEWS 1130) – One man has been killed after a shooting at a church in B.C.’s Interior on Sunday morning, according to police.
Mounties confirm a second person was injured and taken to hospital. Police say church members at the Salmon Arm Church of Christ tackled a 25-year-old man who entered the building with a rifle, and that man is now in police custody.
Police were alerted to a possible shooting around 10:30 a.m. at the church on 5th Avenue SW.
One of the victims was identified by several local outlets as church elder Gordon Parmenter. Police say the shooting was apparently targeted, and wasn’t motivated by religious beliefs.
“While the investigation is in the preliminary stages, there is no information to suggest there are any ongoing threats to public safety. Police have determined that at least one of the victims was known to the suspect, and it is not believed at this time the event was religiously motivated”, Staff Sgt. Scott West with the Salmon Arm RCMP said in a press release.
The second injured parishioner was reportedly shot in the leg and taken to hospital by helicopter.
Condolences have begun pouring in on the church’s Facebook page.
“Oh how I wish we were there with all of you!! No words to express our sorrow!! Many, many prayers being lifted up for all of you! Gordon was a GREAT MAN! Our hearts are shattered! Hugs for Peggy and family. Hugs for all of our brothers and sisters!! Cliff and Lori, Molly, Cole and Olivia,” writes Lori Plummer on Facebook.
– With files from Adam Cooper, Espe Currie
