James Minter charged with attempted murder after shooting girlfriend, newborn baby, & pastor at East #Selma church http://t.co/doz1ZAINXc
A man is accused of shooting his girlfriend, her newborn baby and a pastor at the Oasis Tabernacle Church in East Selma, Alabama.
The Selma Times Journal reports that James Junior Minter, 26, was arrested and charged with attempted murder after the shootings on Sunday.
The pastor was identified by police as Robert Carswell. The name and age of the girlfriend has not been released. All three are in stable condition, police said.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. ‘Domestic Issues’ Involving the Accused Gunman & His Girlfriend Led to the Shooting, Police Say
This is Oasis Tabernacle Church in Selma where 3 people, including a baby, were shot this morning around 11. http://t.co/UvmeA2SMAu
Police told the Selma Times Journal that domestic issues involving James Minter, the accused gunman, and his girlfriend led to the shooting.
2. Minter’s Girlfriend Was Shot in the Face
Police have not yet released the conditions of the victims, but said Minter’s girlfriend was shot in the face, the Associated Press reports. Her child was shot in the hand, police said.
Robert Carswell, the church’s pastor, was shot in the leg.
3. The Gunman Opened Fire After Sitting Down in the First Row of the CHurch
Neighbor dog is keeping his distance. Owner says he’s all bark. http://t.co/IDuVlMgySv
The shooting occurred Sunday morning at about 10:25 a.m., during a church service, police said.
According to the Selma Times Journal, police said the gunman was sitting in the front row of the church before opening fire.
“He took a seat on the bench on the front row with his family, and then he just got into it, pulled a weapon and started shooting,” Lt. Curtis Muhannad told the newspaper.
4. The Pastor & Church Members Took Down the Gunman
Oasis Tabernacle Church’s pastor, a woman, and her baby were shot at the church today. Notice sign says forgiveness. http://t.co/32Bw8zL9aM
According to the Selma Times Journal, the gunman is being held without bond at the Dallas County Jail. He was charged with three counts of attempted murder.
Police told the newspaper that the pastor, Robert Carswell, was able to grab the gunman even after he had been shot. Church members then helped hold down Minter until he was taken into custody by police.
5. The Shooting Is Not Believed to Have Been Racially Motivated
U.S. president Barack Obama speaks in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge on March 7, 2015 in Selma, Alabama. (Getty)
Police told the AP that the shooting does not appear to have been racially motivated. The pastor is white, while Minter, his girlfriend and her baby are black.
Selma is best known for the 1965 civil rights march organized by Martin Luther King Jr., where police beat black men and women who were protesting for voting rights.
