About Contact Archives RSS Columns Photos

Sunday horror: Church shootings in Colorado; gunman killed by armed female church security staffer; Update: Church volunteer rushed toward the gunman; victims ID’d; Who is the shooter?; Gunman reportedly ID’d; Update: Gunman reportedly “hated Christians;” Update: The hero is Jeanne Assam; Vietnam vet parishioner assisted

By Michelle Malkin  •  December 9, 2007 08:55 PM

1jeanne.jpg
Via 7News Denver

Update 12/10 7:30pm Eastern. A hero revealed:

Jeanne Assam appeared before the news media for the first time Monday and said she “did not think for a minute to run away” when a gunman entered the New Life Church in Colorado Springs and started shooting.

Assam appeared before the media with applause and said “God guided me and protected me.”

She described how the gunman, Matthew Murray, entered the east entrance of the church firing his gun. “There was chaos,” Assam said, as parishioners ran away. “I saw him coming through the doors” and took cover, Assam said. “I came out of cover and identified myself and engaged him and took him down.”

Assam had several years of experience in law enforcement and is licensed to carry a weapon. She attends one of the morning services and then volunteers as a guard during another service.

“I give credit to God,” Assam said. “God was with me. I didn’t think for a minute to run away.”

Assam was assisted by a fellow churchgoer, Vietnam Veteran (via the Denver Post):

Larry Bourbonnais, a combat-tested Vietnam veteran, said it was the bravest thing he’s ever seen.

Bourbonnais, who was among those shot by a gunman Sunday at New Life Church, watched as a security guard, a woman later identified as Jeanne Assam, calmly returned fire and killed the shooter.

“She just started walking toward the gunman firing the whole way,” said Bourbonnais, who was shot in the arm. “She was just yelling ‘Surrender,’ walking and shooting the whole time.”

Read the whole thing.

Update 12/10 6:00pm Eastern. More details about the vengeful gunman:

The gunman believed to have killed four people at a megachurch and a missionary training school had been thrown out of the school about three years ago and had been sending hate mail to the program, police said in court papers Monday. The gunman was identified as Matthew Murray, 24, who was home-schooled by his family and raised in what a friend said was a deeply religious Christian household. Murray’s father is a neurologist and a prominent multiple-sclerosis researcher.

Update 12/10 5:03pm Eastern. The gunman “hated Christians?” Officials did not identify Matthew Murray’s own religion yet.

John Hinderaker: “It is perhaps worth noting that the toll in Sunday’s shootings exceeded the combined total in all “hate crimes” against Muslims in the six years since September 11.”

Update 12/10 2:20pm Eastern. 9News ID’s the alleged gunman

The identity of the gunman in the shooting at a 10,000-plus member mega-church has been uncovered by 9Wants to Know.

9Wants to Know has learned 24-year-old Matthew Murray was killed after opening fire at New Life Church on Sunday.

Murray was home schooled and his last known address was at his parents’ home in unincorporated Arapahoe County – the same home investigators searched Sunday night.

Update 12/10 12:57pm Eastern. Video update on the connection between the two shootings here.

The question everyone’s asking: Who is the shooter?

We have no name, no details yet.

Update 12/10 11:05am Eastern. New Life Church Pastor Brady Boyd is speaking to the media right now. He reports that the female church security guard rushed toward the gunman in the building when she heard shots ring out. She was stationed at a rotunda. She has a law enforcement background. “She probably saved a hundred lives.” They put the security/evacuation plan in place after hearing about the first church attack. Volunteers joined security details. Armed security all have licenses to carry.

Pastor Boyd: “We’re so grateful to God for giving us the wisdom to do that.”

Very sad news: Two teen victims who died in the attacks were identified this morning, via the Colorado Springs Gazette

Police identified two teenagers today who were killed in the attack on New Life Church on Sunday.

According to a statement to media outlets this morning, the dead were 18-year-old Stephanie Works and 16-year-old Rachael Works.

The other shooting victims included:

David Works, 51, who suffered two gunshot wounds to the abdomen. He was listed in fair condition at Penrose Hospital.

Judy Purcell, 40, who suffered a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. She was treated at the hospital and released.

Larry Bourbannais, 59, who suffered a gunshot wound to the left forearm. He was treated at the hospital and released.

Update 12/10 8:30am. The gunman was wearing a tactical helmet and body armor.

***
By now, you’ve read about the two tragic church shootings incidents in Colorado earlier today. What you may not have heard about is how the gunman at the second church was reportedly stopped:

A gunman killed two staff members at a missionary training center early Sunday after being told he couldn’t spend the night, and about 12 hours later four people were shot outside a megachurch in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs police Lt. Fletcher Howard said a suspect had been detained in the shootings outside the New Life Church. Authorities in Arvada, a Denver suburb about 65 miles north, said no one had been captured in the shootings there.

It was not immediately known whether the shootings were related, but Arvada authorities said they were sharing information with Colorado Springs investigators. The mission training program has a small office at the church’s World Prayer Center on the New Life campus.

Howard declined to say whether the Colorado Springs suspect had been shot. Police sealed off the church, but it was not clear whether any parishioners were still inside.

A gunman in a black trench coat and a high-powered rifle entered the church’s main foray about 1 p.m. and began shooting, according to a source who was locked down inside the New Life campus Sunday afternoon. The source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because police asked that they release all information.

The church’s 11 a.m. service had recently ended and hundreds of people were milling about when the gunman opened fire. Nearby were parents picking up their children from nursery.

The gunman was shot and killed by a female member of the church’s armed security staff, the source said.

More details:

It was not immediately known whether the shootings were related, but Arvada authorities said they were sharing information with Colorado Springs investigators. The mission training program has a small office at the church’s World Prayer Center on the New Life campus.

Gov. Bill Ritter ordered state authorities to assist in the investigation.

A gunman in a black trench coat and a high-powered rifle entered the church’s main foyer shortly after 1 p.m. and began shooting, Myers said.

The church’s 11 a.m. service had recently ended, and hundreds of people were milling about when the gunman opened fire. Nearby were parents picking up their children from the nursery.

Police arrived to find the gunman had been killed by a member of the church’s armed security staff, Myers said.

“There was a courageous staff member who probably saved many lives here today,” Myers said.

The FBI and the ATF were assisting in the investigation. Officers were combing the campus looking for suspicious devices.

We had a plan in place, and it worked well,” said Boyd, who in August took over from disgraced pastor Ted Haggard. “Many, many lives were saved today because of some quick, action by the many volunteers here at the church.”

Amid the horror, a glimmer of good news: The culture of self-defense may have saved untold lives.

Posted in: Guns

See what others have said

Note from Michelle: This section is for comments from michellemalkin.com's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that I agree with or endorse any particular comment just because I let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with my terms of use may lose his or her posting privilege.

Trackbacks

  1. Greater Shooting Disaster Averted at Colorado Church at Traction Control
  2. Slapstick Politics
  3. Tragedy in Colorado Could Have Been Worse, If Not For an Armed Guard. : The Sundries Shack
  4. Webloggin - Blog Archive » Christians Killed at Colorado Missionary, Armed Guard Saves Lives at Separate Colorado Srings Church Shooting, Libs blame Bush
  5. GINA COBB
  6. CDR Salamander
  7. dispatches from TJICistan » Blog Archive » sell your cloaks and buy swords
  8. Misc Chatter « The Reluctant Optimist
  9. Self-Defense « Wilson Fu
  10. Snowflakes in Hell » Blog Archive » Colorado Church Shooting Stopped by CWP Holder
  11. Daily Pundit » Second Amendment Is First
  12. BobGriggs.com » Michelle Malkin » Sunday horror: Church shootings in Colorado; gunman killed by armed female church security staffer
  13. small dead animals
  14. Banter in Atlanter
  15. Hot Air » Blog Archive » Video: Colorado church shootings are probably connected
  16. ShrinkWrapped
  17. Verum Serum
  18. Right Voices » Blog Archive » Church Gunman ‘Hated Christians’
  19. Followup on the Colorado Shootings « Tai-Chi Policy
  20. Mark Nicodemo
  21. Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler » Teachable Moments in Legal Carry and Self-Defense
  22. Vengeful gunman comes to his end « Full Metal Cynic
  23. Report: Same Gunman at Church and Missionary Training Center at Traction Control
  24. Michelle Malkin » Colorado Christian slayer update: Gunman died of self-inflicted gunshot wound
  25. JEANNE ASSAM UPDATE FROM THE LOVELY MICHELLE MALKIN « Democrat Equals Socialist
  26. Gun Wielding Maniac Attack: Conservative vs Liberal Result « BUUUUURRRRNING HOT
  27. Time Immortal (ferro ignique gesta res) » Blog Archive » Church security officer returns fire during shooting
  28. dodge denver
  29. To you 2nd Amendment freaks out there ... - Page 12

Trackback URL

Comments

Comment pages: « 1 [2]

  1. #101
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:10 pm, Lindsay said:

    “She probably saved a hundred lives.”

    Wow. I am so thankful they were prepared. Never thought it would become dangerous to come to church during the Christmas season. So sad for those who lost loved ones in this massacre of innocents.

    Praying for those involved..

  2. #102
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:12 pm, Marshall Russ said:

    Here are two stories that didn’t get much coverage in the MSM. Like in this story, the killers were stopped by armed citizens.

    1.There is evidence that a gun in the hand of a teacher will stop an armed attacker. The vice-principal of a school in Pearl, Mississippi used his handgun to stop and detain an armed killer until the police arrived. Dr. Piazza adds, “It seems obvious that armed and trained staff members inside the school are in a better position to identify the attackers and do something immediately to resolve the situation. It is much harder for police, who arrive on the scene too late to stop the killing.”

    2.”We saw the shooter, stopped at my vehicle and got out my handgun and started to approach Peter,” Tracy Bridges, who helped subdue the shooter with other students, said Thursday on NBC’s “Today” show. “At that time, Peter threw up his hands and threw his weapon down. Ted was the first person to have contact with Peter, and Peter hit him one time in the face, so there was a little bit of a struggle there.”

    These stories speak for themselves.

  3. #103
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:22 pm, deepdiver said:

    Typically Springfield Arms XD 45 compact - choice between 10+1, +P .45 for better concealment or 13+1 for full size grip. Either way, the extras mags on my hip are all 13 rds.

    If the shooter really was wearing a tac helmet and body armor and she took him out with a pistol, regardless of caliber, that is some good shooting.

    As an aside, while we have had 3 mass shooting incidents by 2 perps in the last week or so, the fact remains that approximately 59,999,998 legal gun owners possessing approximately 239,999,997 firearms shot and injured nobody last week.

  4. #104
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:24 pm, Moe of MO said:

    CarpiJugulum: As to on-premises security, it’s up to the church, of course, and the security may have been for prior threats, the accosting of women in the parking lot, car-breaking, or the offering plate. Who knows? Not my business. What a great blessing they provided security!

    As to the Annie Oakley who shot the killer, there is no telling how many lives she saved. God bless her.

  5. #105
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:31 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    As an aside, while we have had 3 mass shooting incidents by 2 perps in the last week or so, the fact remains that approximately 59,999,998 legal gun owners possessing approximately 239,999,997 firearms shot and injured nobody last week.

    Bullseye!

    CWP Holders aren’t committing gun crimes - criminals are. Making stiffer guns laws don’t effect the criminals - they only have an impact on law abiding citizens.

    Every 13 seconds an American gun owner uses a firearm in defense against a criminal.
    Criminal Attacks Stopped By Guns In 2006: 4,709,213

    Source

  6. #106
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:32 pm, ttevolla said:

    On December 10th, 2007 at 11:09 am, CarpiJugulum said:
    This is the part that disturds me the most. I wonder if any one else is bothered as much as I am about the fact the Church had an armed guard on premisis (?).

    What does this say about society if we have to have armed guards around a place of worship?

    elpresidente posted the comments from this leperous maggot

    So the shooter killed only two and wounded two others. Too bad he didn’t have more time to get some more. Religious missionaries are very legitimate targets since they stick their noses into other people’s private religious affairs. America needs more shootings like this in the future to put the religious fanatics and loonies in their place.

    I wonder if the maggot was also cheering the deaths of the two South Koreans and praying for the women to be raped…

  7. #107
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:42 pm, Marshall Russ said:

    I will take a wild guess as to the identity of the killer. A radical Islamo-jihadist would have the most to gain by killing, not just an infidels, but, Christians. What better way to try to strike fear into the hearts of Christian Churches around the country.

  8. #108
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:53 pm, Yashmak said:

    A radical Islamo-jihadist would have the most to gain by killing, not just an infidels, but, Christians.

    Like the Islamo-jihadist kid who shot up the mall last week? Wait, that wasn’t a jihadist afterall.

    Let’s hold off accusations until we KNOW who the shooter was.

  9. #109
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:54 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Does anybody know what firearm Mrs. Malkin has?

    98 percentile IQ.

  10. #110
    On December 10th, 2007 at 1:57 pm, Leatherneck said:

    Guns do not shoot perps. Armed women guards shoot perps.

    Thank you armed women.

  11. #111
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:06 pm, baldeagle said:

    Let me point out the fact that the police all arrived late/after the shooter had been taken out by an armed citizen. The good guys will hardly ever get there in time to do anything except draw lines around bodies and pick up spent cartridges. Carrying concealed is a no brainer. I live in CO, a carry state, and I do, a .357 Mag or .45, and have already made upmy mind that if I need to use it, there will be no need of therapy. I also live just 10 minutes from New Life..Wish I could have helped.

  12. #112
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:07 pm, Bill DeFelice said:

    Lets hear it for the Second Amendment,and for the law-abiding firearm owners to obtain licenses to carry concealed.Just one woman,licensed to carry her personal firearm,averted a certain masacre.

  13. #113
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:07 pm, swj719AWG said:

    Anyone know if that gal is single?

    :)

  14. #114
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:10 pm, rworks said:

    #74,

    I would note that the POPE has armed guards in his church. Why would you deny other Christians the same right?

    P.S: I don’t know if the Works family in CO is related to mine, but thanks for asking.

  15. #115
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:12 pm, jeanie said:

    Is it common practice for some churches to have security guards? Mine doesn’t and I hope the day never comes when we need one.

  16. #116
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:16 pm, Marshall Russ said:

    Yashmak#108,
    I was taking a wild guess. There is a reason they are withholding the identity.
    But, I am also thinking about the sheriff in the D.C. sniper case that was actually steering police away from profiling a possible killer. And he turned out to be……

  17. #117
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:20 pm, 30 pcs of silver said:

    swj, down boy. :-)

  18. #118
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:21 pm, Rinoalert said:

    The question everyone’s asking: Who is the shooter?

    Could be Matthew Murray.

  19. #119
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:21 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:12 pm, jeanie said:

    Is it common practice for some churches to have security guards? Mine doesn’t and I hope the day never comes when we need one.

    Obviously the day has come where all churches need them.

  20. #120
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:24 pm, granite said:

    #116 On December 10th, 2007 at 2:16 pm, Marshall Russ said:

    “Yashmak#108,
    I was taking a wild guess. There is a reason they are withholding the identity.
    But, I am also thinking about the sheriff in the D.C. sniper case that was actually steering police away from profiling a possible killer. And he turned out to be……”

    To repeat - (see #80 above):

    “…we would be fools not to rule out Muslim terrorism for each and every such attack from now on to the indefinite future.

    Notice: There is a big difference between suggesting a Muslim terrorist link; and quietly, deliberately, RESPONSIBLY, and INTELLIGENTLY RULING OUT that possibility - again, in each and every one of these such attacks, in the present, and for the very long future.”

    Still withholding the killer’s ID, eh?
    Wonder why….

  21. #121
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:24 pm, Rinoalert said:

    More on Mr. Murray here.

  22. #122
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:25 pm, granite said:

    #118 & #121:

    Thanks for the heads-up.

  23. #123
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:30 pm, Yashmak said:

    Did you mis-state yourself Granite?

    We would be fools NOT to rule out Muslim terrorism? Is that actually what you meant?

    I mean, it’s foolish to rule out ANY possibility, isn’t it? Now, in this case, I strongly doubt it was Muslim terrorists. . .even more strongly now that I hear it’s some guy named Matthew Murray.

    I wasn’t suggesting we should rule out the possibility that it was jihadists. . .just that we should temper our eagerness to embrace that possibility until the facts are in.

    Otherwise, we look foolish when it turns out to be another yet another of our nation’s vast supply of non-Islamic nutballs.

  24. #124
    On December 10th, 2007 at 2:31 pm, KaosKlerik said:

    MM -
    The church’s 11 a.m. service had recently ended, and hundreds of people were milling about when the gunman opened fire. Nearby were parents picking up their children from the nursery.

    Police arrived to find the gunman had been killed by a member of the church’s armed security staff, Myers [emphasis added]said

    A target rich environment.
    Hundreds of people.
    Parents slowed down by trying to protect their children.

    Virginia Tech banned concealed weapons, even with a permit, so the students would “FEEL” safe. How many criminals respect gun-free zones?

    How many people died at VT becuase the libs fear armed sane people more than armed insane people?

    How many people were saved at New Life church becuase they feared an armed insane person more than an armed sane person?

  25. #125
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:13 pm, Thomas R. said:

    josetheguerilla said:
    Does anybody know what firearm Mrs. Malkin has?

    /s/

    jose

    How can I put this as politely as possible?…

    It’s none of your damn business what kind of firearm (or firearms) Mrs. Malkin or anyone else owns. That is a highly personal question and unless someone chooses to share that information with you, it is very rude to ask someone that.

  26. #126
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:25 pm, Hunter1262 said:

    I am glad to see a number of folks posting here are motivated to get their CHL (concealed handgun license). I am a firearms instructor, and use of force instructor. We say…the best gun for self defense is the one you have in your hand when you need it. Only advise I can give…get the firearm, get licensed, and TRAIN…TRAIN…TRAIN!!! We have over 40 ministers trained through our programs. Churches, schools, malls - we call these “target rich environments”. First responders - police and fire - may be there quick. But the first responders really should be an armed and trained citizenry. More people should make the decision to not be a victim, and take steps to put the odds in their favor.

  27. #127
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:32 pm, MrC_5150 said:

    On December 10th, 2007 at 12:57 pm, The Raging Republican said:

    I have a Springfield Armory Ultra Compact .45 for carry. I love it.

    The Old Math
    6+1 @ .45 = 15+1 @ 9mm

    Funny, English measure is still better than metric…

    I carry a Glock 26. 10+1 rounds of 147 gr. 9mm do me just fine.

    I carry either my SIG Sauer P229 .357SIG or my SIG Sauer P220 .45ACP

  28. #128
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:37 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    Enough of PC.

    Was this beast a Muslim or a Muslim affiliate?

    I cannot help but be reminded of the three brutally mutilated Christian men in Turkey.

    The beasts are capable of anything!

    Vagner

  29. #129
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:45 pm, gunslingerpatriot said:

    He was a 24 y/o white male. See #105 and #118.

    GSP

  30. #130
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:46 pm, swj719AWG said:

    Is it common practice for some churches to have security guards? Mine doesn’t and I hope the day never comes when we need one.

    It wasn’t a regular this at this church. It was in direct response to the shootings earlier in Arvada.

    Some folks might have a CC permit, and retain their weapon on the grounds, but armed guards aren’t the norm - or I assume they are not based on what the preach-man said…

    I carry either my SIG Sauer P229 .357SIG or my SIG Sauer P220 .45ACP

    A sig fan, eh? I do so want one. Fine, fine weapons they are.

  31. #131
    On December 10th, 2007 at 3:54 pm, Christian Soldier said:

    Lesson #___________: Always read the update before re-posting!

  32. #132
    On December 10th, 2007 at 4:03 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    It’s none of your damn business what kind of firearm (or firearms) Mrs. Malkin or anyone else owns. That is a highly personal question and unless someone chooses to share that information with you, it is very rude to ask someone that.Thomas R

    I was asking if any of her readers have read in any of her columns, if she talked about her firearms, not specific information. I’m at a loss of Gun etiquette. Owning firearms is a right; people who own them should not have to feel, like they have to comply with some unwritten PC, BS law. Besides, if I asked anybody that worked with the female security guard, I’m sure they would tell me what type of firearm she prefers.

    /s/

    jose

  33. #133
    On December 10th, 2007 at 4:09 pm, SarahW said:

    Can we please begin to face reality, not only with regard to gun-free zones being target signs, but about disease of mental function?

    I don’t care if anyone wants to name it evil, so long as the reality of schizophrenic-specturn illness and the irrationaly dangerous behaviours that result from it are acknowleged and dealt with differently than they are at present; willful acts of wrong informed by damaged mental processes can be predicted and prevented in many cases. I have noticed they often are not because of politically correct reticence or willful ignorance about the potential for violent, self-serving acts by the mentally ill.

  34. #134
    On December 10th, 2007 at 4:21 pm, josetheguerilla said:

    Can we please begin to face reality, not only with regard to gun-free zones being target signs, but about disease of mental function? Sarah W

    Yeah, gun free zones need to go, because the only ones with the guns will be the law-breakers. Some of these killings are not due to mental dysfunction. Some are due to evil. Homicide bombers aren’t too different that some of these shooters.

  35. #135
    On December 10th, 2007 at 5:07 pm, SarahW said:

    #134 josetheguerilla, like I said, I don’t begrudge anyone the right to call the shooting evil, or the person who did it evil, but in this case, as in VA tech and the recent mall shootup, mental illness with a foreseeable progression to violence was present.

    The persons view of himelf in relation to the world is not normal, because of damaged thinking processes.
    While I fully support a population ready to secure it’s own safety, the truth is that modern methods of dealing with the mentally ill are just ridiculously inadequate, and put everyone in danger.

  36. #136
    On December 10th, 2007 at 5:09 pm, babbledabble said:

    I used to work at First Data Corp in the IT department & I am trying to remember if Mr. Works who was shot & whose two daughter were killed, worked there at the same time.

  37. #137
    On December 10th, 2007 at 5:31 pm, CarpiJugulum said:

    To those who want to question me about questioning the fact we as a society need an armed guard at a church. MrC_5150, join the club two shotguns, several pistols and only one story to be told if an intruder enters my home. To momma who is starting her CCP classes. Good for you. Have the permit for several years now and I carry 24/7.

    My point is obviously missed. I know this church and though not a member have been there several times. I just find it a sad state of affairs that a house of worship, a place of peace, and solitude has to have an armed guard. What does this say about us as a people?
    Has the athiest crowd come so far with thier hate that they have caused the religious to live in fear?

    This is what I am wondering about. Not the fact a thug was shot dead after he went on a spree. That is simple justice. The guard she saved us, the Colorado tax payer thousands of dollars in court costs.

  38. #138
    On December 10th, 2007 at 5:59 pm, graysonret said:

    We’ve had guns, schools, churchs, and mentally ill people for centuries, yet it is only recently that we have them mix up in a violent confrontation. With our information age, the ill people can get on the news and get their infamy to bring attention to themselves and their victims. It is an unfortunate outcome of our now violent society together with news media that adores sensationalism. Now people are clammering for an end to gun control, so they can arm themselves. Now, I’m a firm supporter of the 2nd amendment, but Dodge City and Tombstone were never like this.

  39. #139
    On December 10th, 2007 at 6:14 pm, englishqueen01 said:

    “It is perhaps worth noting that the toll in Sunday’s shootings exceeded the combined total in all “hate crimes” against Muslims in the six years since September 11.”

    If you need any proof that Christianity is the most persecuted, non-protected group in America - this is it.

    Imgaine the outrage if this were a mosque, or a feminist center, or some other “protected” group. (Mind you, I would find it appalling then, too…but where’s the MSM coverage and frothing of “hate” toward Christians, etc.)

    Has the athiest crowd come so far with thier hate that they have caused the religious to live in fear?

    I’m reading The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Bible by Robert J. Hutchinson. In the first or second chapter, he lists some of the mass murders committed by irreligious or anti-religious governments.

    The total is 170 million people. In the 20th century alone. That’s 1.7 million people annually - many of them killed for being religious (priests, nuns, monks) or faithful laity.

    So yes, I think we have a right to be wary of SOME of those people who are anti-religious and hostile toward Christianity.

  40. #140
    On December 10th, 2007 at 6:34 pm, elpresidente said:
  41. #141
    On December 10th, 2007 at 6:43 pm, granite said:

    #123 On December 10th, 2007 at 2:30 pm, Yashmak said:

    “Did you mis-state yourself Granite?

    We would be fools NOT to rule out Muslim terrorism? Is that actually what you meant?

    I mean, it’s foolish to rule out ANY possibility, isn’t it? Now, in this case, I strongly doubt it was Muslim terrorists. . .even more strongly now that I hear it’s some guy named Matthew Murray.

    I wasn’t suggesting we should rule out the possibility that it was jihadists. . .just that we should temper our eagerness to embrace that possibility until the facts are in.

    Otherwise, we look foolish when it turns out to be another yet another of our nation’s vast supply of non-Islamic nutballs.”

    Nope, did not misspeak.
    In medicine, to “rule out” means to exclude a diagnostic possibility ONLY upon finding no evidence of that possibility, AFTER looking for it. When you consider a diagnostic possibility, and find no evidence for it, you’ve “ruled it out”.

    The way “rule out” is used in medicine does NOT mean excluding a possibility from consideration right from the start.

    When you hear in medicalese that a particular diagnosis is a “diagnosis of exclusion”, it means that before deciding on that particular diagnosis, certain, possibly many, other diagnoses have to be considered, and excluded (i.e., “ruled out”).

    As I had said in #80 above, “There is a big difference between suggesting a Muslim terrorist link; and quietly, deliberately, RESPONSIBLY, and INTELLIGENTLY RULING OUT that possibility….”

    Note the words “responsibly”, “quietly”, and “intellignetly”.
    Those very words I used mean we should temper our eagerness.

    Hope this answers your question.

  42. #142
    On December 10th, 2007 at 6:47 pm, granite said:

    Oops!

    …intelligENtly.

  43. #143
    On December 10th, 2007 at 6:56 pm, brooklyn red said:

    I hope the folks that run the universities can figure this one out…

  44. #144
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:03 pm, GaijinBob said:

    I want this woman that defended her church living to the left of me and that Texas guy living to the right of me. Hmmm, does that mean I need to move to New Mexico?

  45. #145
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:20 pm, MrC_5150 said:

    I carry either my SIG Sauer P229 .357SIG or my SIG Sauer P220 .45ACP

    A sig fan, eh? I do so want one. Fine, fine weapons they are

    Finest made handguns in the world.

  46. #146
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:22 pm, Yashmak said:

    Hope this answers your question.

    - granite

    Actually, I’m more confused now than I was before. . . but then, it’s been a confusing day. :)

  47. #147
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:25 pm, Yashmak said:

    They shoulda named the boat Penn took to help Katrina victims the SS Ship of Fool.

  48. #148
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:25 pm, Yashmak said:

    Dangit, posted in the wrong comment thread again. See how confused I am today?!?

  49. #149
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:30 pm, deepdiver said:

    As to the “security guard: she is indeed a brave woman. I can only that in a similar situation that I could show a percentage of the courage she did to protect those around me and myself. The untold story still is that she was a private citizen, with a concealed carry permit, who volunteered to put herself in harms way to protect the lives of numerous others.

  50. #150
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:31 pm, deepdiver said:

    Er, that was some bad typing.
    :=”
    and it should have read “I can only hope..”

  51. #151
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:31 pm, granite said:

    #146 On December 10th, 2007 at 7:22 pm, Yashmak said:

    “Hope this answers your question.
    - granite

    Actually, I’m more confused now than I was before. . . but then, it’s been a confusing day.”

    My point is don’t go running off half-cocked, yelling “Muslim terrorist” with every violent attack that occurs;

    while at the same time do not fail to investigate the possibility that Muslim terrorists might in fact be behind the attack(s) in question.

  52. #152
    On December 10th, 2007 at 7:57 pm, fred5676 said:

    Sounds like Assam was the one who suggested a security plan, made the plan, and cooly took down the murderer.
    Quite a show, lady.

    Boyd said she was the one who suggested the church beef up its security Sunday following the Arvada shooting, which it did. The pastor credited the security plan and the extra security for preventing further bloodshed.

    “I saw him coming through the doors” and took cover, Assam said. “I came out of cover and identified myself and engaged him and took him down.”

    Next month’s NRA centerfold???

  53. #153
    On December 10th, 2007 at 8:07 pm, flenser said:

    Nice shooting, Jeanne!

  54. #154
    On December 10th, 2007 at 8:13 pm, brooklyn red said:

    152, the NRA does not have centerfolds, & I assume you meant that as a complement to the brave lady…

  55. #155
    On December 10th, 2007 at 8:29 pm, fred5676 said:

    On December 10th, 2007 at 8:13 pm, brooklyn red said:
    152, the NRA does not have centerfolds, & I assume you meant that as a complement to the brave lady…

    I thought that was obvious after being the first (I think) to point out that she not only acted very cooly and saved many lives, but had the wisdom and foresight to suggest the security plan in the first place!

    I won’t be so subtle next time. Nor satiric. I realize only Gordon G. promotes centerfolds and guns.

    I only hope liberal wackos don’t pester her now.

  56. #156
    On December 10th, 2007 at 8:30 pm, fred5676 said:

    Actually, I meant it as a compliment.

  57. #157
    On December 10th, 2007 at 8:39 pm, brooklyn red said:

    OK, I’m over it…

    and don’t worry about the wackos, they have their hands over their eyes. This is outside their comfort zone.

  58. #158
    On December 10th, 2007 at 9:03 pm, gunslingerpatriot said:

    I would love to read the interview the NRA could do for her, her views on Christian life in general and what was going through her mind tactically.

    GSP :)

  59. #159
    On December 10th, 2007 at 9:10 pm, joeyb1955 said:

    One brave woman guided by the Holy Spirit.

    A couple of thoughts:

    1) This hero’s decision to self-arm deals a severe blow to the gun control advocates. Yep, I know she’s a security guard and all, but her actions clearly saved lives. More level-headed people should carry firearms, IMO.

    2) Imagine last April if Virginia Tech didn’t have a policy requiring a gun-free campus. I wonder if the outcome would have been different had someone had access to a firearm.

    3) The imploring of God’s name (and rightfully so, since His hand played into the final outcome) numerous times in the video interview has to make the MSM squeamish. It’s likely this story will get limited airplay or heavy editing.

  60. #160
    On December 10th, 2007 at 9:16 pm, brooklyn red said:

    a volunteer security guard…
    not a mercenary.

  61. #161
    On December 10th, 2007 at 10:17 pm, Speakup said:

    Jeanne Assam stepped up and did what had to be done, no more and no less.

  62. #162
    On December 10th, 2007 at 10:21 pm, BlameAmericaLast said:

    I only hope liberal wackos don’t pester her now.

    I wouldn’t be surprised. Hope she has a private phone number. At least they’ll know better than to trespass on her property or physically threaten her!

    That’s why I have an “NRA Certified Instructor” sticker on my front door. I figure someone will think twice, and if they don’t see it, too bad.

  63. #163
    On December 10th, 2007 at 11:28 pm, 29Victor said:

    Prediction:
    There won’t be any more church shootings.
    There will be more school & mall shootings.

  64. #164
    On December 11th, 2007 at 3:11 am, RetFireman said:

    She’s blonde, she’s totally hot, she packs a loaded weapon, doesn’t take crap off of anyone, will protect anyone, family, friend or stranger, and is Christian. I tell you, there my friends, is my future ex wife in all her glory. Just don’t tell my current one.

    She is also the poster woman for everything the Liberals hate. She is everything that the Feminists say they want a woman to be, yet she is everything they don’t want a woman to be. Ain’t that a kick in the butt.

    I say she is outstanding and worthy of anyone who sees her in a restaurant or cafe or whereever picking up her check for her for the rest of her life. No questions asked. She is a real American hero. Period, and hopefully my girls grow up to respond to a crisis with similar nerves of steel.

  65. #165
    On December 11th, 2007 at 7:00 am, ArmoredCAV said:

    Nice work, Jeanne. Very nice.

  66. #166
    On December 11th, 2007 at 7:21 am, zorro said:

    After the gunman went down, Bourbonnais asked Assam, a volunteer security guard with the church, how she remained so calm and focused.

    Bourbonnais said she replied:

    “I was asking the Holy Spirit to guide me the entire time.”

    A testament to the Power of the Holy Spirit; God was is with her.

  67. #167
    On December 11th, 2007 at 9:54 am, corona said:

    Hold the phone - police are reporting the murderer may have died of a self-inflicted wound.

  68. #168
    On December 11th, 2007 at 10:06 am, Yashmak said:

    My point is don’t go running off half-cocked, yelling “Muslim terrorist” with every violent attack that occurs;

    while at the same time do not fail to investigate the possibility that Muslim terrorists might in fact be behind the attack(s) in question.

    -granite

    Ah, then we’re on the same page.

  69. #169
    On December 11th, 2007 at 10:17 am, swj719AWG said:

    I tell you, there my friends, is my future ex wife in all her glory. Just don’t tell my current one.

    Back off, buddy. I saw her first!

  70. #170
    On December 11th, 2007 at 11:50 am, 29Victor said:

    From Foxnews.com

    …Murray wrote, “I’m coming for EVERYONE soon and I WILL be armed to the @#%$ teeth and I WILL shoot to kill. …God, I can’t wait till I can kill you people. Feel no remorse, no sense of shame, I don’t care if I live or die in the shoot-out. All I want to do is kill and injure as many of you … as I can especially Christians who are to blame for most of the problems in the world.”

    I would like to get a good look at this guy’s book shelf/web history.

  71. #171
    On December 11th, 2007 at 12:06 pm, Dave from Flint said:

    Anti-gun people; practice what you preach. Put a sign in your window stating: “This is a gun free house”.

    As for me, speak softly and carry a loaded 45.

  72. #172
    On December 11th, 2007 at 12:30 pm, swj719AWG said:

    Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

  73. #173
    On December 11th, 2007 at 1:40 pm, coldfront said:

    posted again w/re-enforced vigor.

    ” “I saw him coming through the doors” and took cover, Assam said. “I came out of cover and identified myself and engaged him and took him down.”

    God was with me,” Assam said. “I didn’t think for a minute to run away.” ” Jeanne Assam http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14817480/detail.html

    Someone please introduce her to “one student and his signs vs. Sean Penn and Kucinich moonbats:” Perhaps they will marry & become ‘Breeders’……no insults intended.

  74. #174
    On December 11th, 2007 at 4:03 pm, RetFireman said:

    I’ll save you the time. Daily Kos, Dem Underground. Huffington Post, Michael Moore, 9-11 Truth, After Downing Street, The Pope Is The Anti-Christ, The White House.com., AirAmerica…

    Want me to continue?

    I think Chops and Rusty, and Snausage and the rest of the trolls could probably fill in the rest. What do you think?

    I seriously doubt this was some redneck, right-wing Christian gin nut that did this crime. I could be wrong, but I am just speculating.

    As far as people jumping to conclusions about Muslims committing this kind of thing, well, when you have over 10,000 terrorist acts in the last 6 years being committed by Muslims, you tend to think that when a terorist act occurrs it has been commtted by the leading group. You cannot blame someone for thinking that. It seems that the true minority of terrorists was responsible for this one. However, I am sure the Liberals will want to start profiling all the white gun owners now. Better get all the guns off the streets. Need more laws. Any one of us gun owners might snap at any moment and just start shooting. We just aren’t safe from ourselves. Save us oh great and powerful Liberals. SAVE US!!!!

  75. #175
    On December 11th, 2007 at 4:03 pm, publiuswarmac9999 said:

    As with prior nut-case shooters, was this killer on some type of medicine. If there is a common thread here it is the impact of medicines on psychotics.

  76. #176
    On December 11th, 2007 at 7:48 pm, 29Victor said:

    “God was with me,” Assam said.

    So, she had two things that aren’t allowed in public schools.

    God & a gun.

Comment pages: « 1 [2]

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Targeting law-abiding gun owners again

November 11, 2008 11:13 AM by Michelle Malkin

113 Comments | 7 Trackbacks

Caution: Ignorant, gun-hating MSM at work

October 9, 2008 10:24 AM by Michelle Malkin

268 Comments | 8 Trackbacks

Misfire.

Barack Better Not Be Banning Biden’s Beretta!

September 20, 2008 11:19 PM by see-dubya

47 Comments | 6 Trackbacks

Shooting his mouth off.

Not-lifelong-Republican John Lott addresses Obama’s gun rights record

August 30, 2008 09:30 AM by see-dubya

92 Comments | 3 Trackbacks

Bullseye on Obama’s Bulls-, er…(UPDATE with speculation on Obama’s attempts to pander on the 2nd Amendment.)

Fake “lifelong Republican” alert

August 28, 2008 01:53 PM by Michelle Malkin

81 Comments | 8 Trackbacks

Poser.

Self-defense story of the day

August 18, 2008 07:31 PM by Michelle Malkin

88 Comments | 8 Trackbacks

You go, grandma!

Heller gets his gun permit

August 18, 2008 03:16 PM by Michelle Malkin

79 Comments | 3 Trackbacks

“Victory!”

Texas teachers can pack heat

August 15, 2008 04:07 PM by Michelle Malkin

158 Comments | 6 Trackbacks

“Why would you put it out there that a group of people can’t defend themselves? That’s like saying ’sic ’em’ to a dog.”

The Dems’ drilling rhetoric just ain’t cutting it

August 14, 2008 12:12 AM by see-dubya

137 Comments | 4 Trackbacks

Remind exactly why drilling would be bad? PLUS: Trust me, Montana: Obama ain’t gonna grab your gun!


Categories: Guns


Weekly Standard

» Puzzle