Two people are dead and another victim is hospitalized with serious injuries following a church shooting in Vestavia Hills.
The shooting occurred Thursday evening during a potluck dinner at St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Vestavia, near Birmingham. The shooter is in custody, Vestavia Hills Police Capt. Shane Ware said. Ware has not yet disclosed a motive or released the shooter’s identity or any details about him.
According to police, the lone gunman entered the church, located the small gathering of people and opened fire. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other victims were taken to UAB Hospital, but one of those victims later died.
Local media reports said numerous police officers, medics and firefighters from both Vestavia and the surrounding communities responded to the reports of an “active shooter” at the church. News footage showed dozens of emergency vehicles outside of the church.
“As we are learning about the shocking and tragic loss of a life at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia, we want to offer our prayers for the victim’s family, the injured and the entire church community,” a statement from Gov. Kay Ivey read.
Vestavia police are expected to update the media at 9 on Friday morning.
