Former Nevada State Assembly candidate opens fire at Mormon church; 1 dead, others injured
A former Nevada State Assembly candidate from Libertarian Party opened fire inside his Mormon church on Sunday, killing one person and injuring another, according to reports.
The 48-year-old John Kelley O'Connor walked into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on East Richards Street in Fallon and opened fire while a service was ongoing, just before 1 pm, police officials have confirmed.
The 61-year-old victim has been identified as Charlies Miller. The identity of the other victim of the shooting has not yet been released, however, accrding to reports stated by Daily Mail. he had suffered a leg injury, according to the O'Connor, after the carnage, reportedly walked back home.
Reports state that after police called O'connor's home and inquired about the shooting, the former state assembly candidate relented and surrendered to the officials, according to TV station KOLO.
Fallon Police Chief Kevin Gehman said that nearly 50 congregation members were present in the church at the time of the incident. The chief also added that the attack is believed to have been targeted at only one person, reports state.
According to state records, O'Connor ran for the Nevada State Assembly for the Libertarian Party in 2014.
Nevada Senator Dean Heller shared a condolence message on Twitter after the carnage on Sunday.
"Deeply saddened by the act of senseless violence in Fallon today at the LDS church. We are in contact with Mayor Tedford and other officials. My family and I are praying for all loved ones, churchgoers and community members impacted by this tragedy," Heller tweeted.
While another State Senator Cortez Masto took to Twitter and said: "Devastated by the horrific news of the fatal shooting at the LDS church in Fallon. Thank you to the first responders on the scene. My heart goes out to all of those impacted. Places of worship should be a safe haven. The gun violence across this country must end."
United States Representative Jacky Rosen, on later Sunday, said: "Saddened by the shooting at the LDS Church in Fallon today. My deepest sympathies are with the victims' families and the community."
Director of Media Relations for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eric Hawkins, also issued a statement, expressing grief for the victims and their families.
"We express our love to those in this congregation and our prayers for the victims and their families. Local leaders are ministering to them at this time."
Officials have not yet released the official motive for the attack. "It’s really too early to understand the motive,” the police chief said.