10 Y-O Boy Shows Bravery As Gunman Shoots Up Tennessee Church

September 26, 2017

– Emanuel Kidega Samson charged with first-degree murder for Tennessee Church shooting

– 1 dead and 7 injured during shootout

Emanuel Kidega Samson, the man who opened fire on a Tennessee church Sunday, killing one and injuring seven others, has now been charged with first-degree murder.

The 25 year-old man, reportedly was wearing a mask and holding two pistols when he arrived at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch shortly after the end of the morning service.

He first came in contact with member Melanie Smith, 39, as she was walking to her car, and shot her to death. Samson then proceeded to enter the church where he “began indiscriminately shooting” at those inside, according to police.

Among those struck by gunfire were Joey Spann, 60, who pastors the church, as well as his wife, Peggy, 65. Spann also serves as a Bible teacher at Nashville Christian School. He and his wife are listed in stable condition.

Also among the wounded include members Linda Bush, 68, William Jenkins, 83, Marlene Jenkins, 84, Catherine Dickerson, 64, and Robert Engle, 22.

Engle, an usher, is being hailed as a hero as he confronted Samson, being pistol-whipped by the assailant. He then went to his vehicle to obtain his own pistol, as he had a permit to legally carry a firearm.

“There was a significant struggle between the two,” Nashville Police spokesman Don Aaron told NBC News. “During the struggle, the gunman shot himself—probably not intentionally—in the left pectoral muscle.”

A 10-year-old boy is also being credited for his quick thinking as he helped to barricade a room that he and others were fellowshipping in outside of the sanctuary.

“When I heard someone scream ‘get down’ and more screaming, I grabbed a couch and turned it on its side, and I got a table and I got chairs and I just put chairs and chairs [by the door],” Jeremiah Reese told the Tennessean.

On Saturday, the day before the shooting, Samson worked a shift as a security guard for Crimson Security in Nashville, police spokesman Don Aaron said. He sent an email Sunday at 10:10 a.m., within an hour of the shooting, saying he appreciated the opportunity to work but would not be returning.

Over the past year, police in the area encountered Samson on three separate occasions.

Samson has now been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and is being held without bond. Members state that he had attended the church a year or two ago.