Shooting at New Life Church
Greg Boyce
Four people were shot at around 1 p.m. at New Life Church on the north side of Colorado Springs. Initial reports indicate a gunman opened fire in the parking lot about thirty minutes after a church service had adjourned.
News First spoke with Penrose Hospital. Three victims were taken there. One is in critical condition, one is in fair condition and one is good condition.
At a news conference just before three o'clock a police spokesman said a suspect "was down" and that other suspects were being sought.
Witnesses will be released from police questioning and reunited with their families at Pikes Peak Community College (Rampart Range campus).
Source: KOAA-TV News
UPDATE: Gov. Bill Ritter issued the following statement this afternoon following shootings in two Colorado religious facilities earlier today:
“Today, Colorado mourns the tragic loss of those killed and injured in two senseless shootings. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of those who were taken from us, and we pray for the speedy recovery of those who were wounded.
“Violent crimes of any sort are tragic enough, but when innocent people are killed in a religious facility or a place of worship, we must voice a collective sense of outrage and demonstrate a renewed commitment to keeping our communities safe.
“We have activated the Colorado Information Analysis Center, and I have directed the Department of Public Safety, Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation to provide immediate assistance to the local and federal agencies investigating the shootings.”
Church and law enforcement officials proceeded slowly and cautiously to save as many people as possible. Following a preset emergency plan, churchgoers were herded into a basement. The building was placed on lockdown, police swept the church one room at a time, and extra ambulances were placed on standby.
As of 5:50 p.m., police reported that one suspect and one member of the congregation were confirmed dead. A quick-thinking security guard on the scene was credited with saving many lives by shooting the suspect.
These two shooting incidents (in Arvada and Colorado Springs) have already gotten the attention of national news outlets: http://www.newsweek.com/id/74573
Monday, 10 December, 1:27 p.m.: Names of the two victims killed at New Life Church, Stephanie and her sister Rachel Works, and of the people who were wounded in the incident were released. A news conference was held at 4:00 p.m. MST. http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/12297661.html
The gunman believed to have been involved in both incidents is Matthew Murray, age 24. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22174890/
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