(06/04/09) "Why I Turned Down O'Reilly" (The Washington Post)

[Spang]

The first time I appeared on "The O'Reilly Factor," in 2004, I sat across from Bill O'Reilly in awkward silence while he shuffled papers and took notes.

Finally, he glanced up and acknowledged my existence. "Thank you for coming on," he said. "Most people don't have the guts."

I said, "Well, you are one of the most-watched news shows on cable."

He swiftly retorted, "The most-watched news show on cable TV."

Let's face it: Bill O'Reilly is not only aware of his power and his reach, he's damn proud of them.

So I went on his show, time and again, even though many other progressives discouraged me. I went because I know what O'Reilly knows: It's the most-watched show, and I thought it was imperative that his audience also hear our viewpoint.

I also know that when you have a bully pulpit, you need to be held accountable for what you preach.

O'Reilly is being incredibly disingenuous when he claims that he bears no responsibility for others' actions in the killing of Dr. George Tiller on Sunday. When you tell an audience of millions over and over again that someone is an executioner, you cannot feign surprise when someone executes that person.

You cannot claim to hold no responsibility for what other people do when you call for people to besiege Tiller's clinic, as O'Reilly did in January 2008. And this was after Tiller had been shot in both arms and after his clinic had been bombed.

O'Reilly knew that people wanted Tiller dead, and he knew full well that many of those people were avid viewers of his show. Still, he fanned the flames. Every time I appeared on his show, I received vitriolic and hate-filled e-mails. And if I received those messages directly, I can only imagine what type of feedback O'Reilly receives. He knows that his words incite violence.

That is why I made a personal pledge to no longer sit across from him after he called for people to converge on Tiller's clinic. I realized that appearing on the show with him would only legitimize his speech and that no good would come of my efforts.

So on Tuesday morning, when an O'Reilly producer called and asked me to come on the show to "discuss the reasons why women have late-term abortions," I held fast to my pledge. I told his producer what I thought: that I had had that conversation on air with O'Reilly five years earlier and that he agreed with me at the time that the decision was between a woman and her doctor. That O'Reilly then went on to pretend we had never talked about it and continued condemning women and doctors. That the nation and those of us in the pro-choice community are reeling from the murder of a doctor who helped women. That we hold O'Reilly responsible for helping to create a climate in which hate was allowed to fester. That I refused to dignify his irresponsible behavior, not to mention his deplorable reaction to Tiller's shooting.

O'Reilly had the opportunity to apologize for his words, and he didn't. He had the opportunity to say that this tragic outcome was something about which he felt sorry. He didn't. When restraint and perspective were called for, he fanned the flames higher. In fact, on his June 1 "Talking Points," he played the martyr, saying his critics were seeking to stifle any criticism of "people like Tiller -- that and hating Fox News is the real agenda here." On his show the next day -- the show I declined to appear on -- he again called a murdered man "Dr. Killer."

I admit that after the call from the producer, I hesitated. What an opportunity, I thought, to sit across from O'Reilly and call him out for what he has done and where his responsibility lies. To speak for everyone in America who is hurt and scared and angry. I have never been a Fox News hater; clearly, I've used the show for the benefit of my movement and my organization, and I've answered his questions on some of the toughest issues around. Didn't I have the right to also call him out for his speech?

But then I realized I just couldn't. Because if the murder of a man in a house of worship wasn't enough to make Bill O'Reilly repent, what hope did I have?

The Source (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/03/AR2009060303238.html)

[Suzan]

Whoa. O'Reilly's head will explode over this one. And believe me, he'll talk about it because he doesn't miss anything in the press, if it's about him. He may not mention what the author said, but he will attempt to eviscerate her for saying it--or play the victim again.

What's with the egomania of these talk show types? Rush was on Fox talking about how happy he is at being polled by as if he were a politician with real power over people.

[UKSocialist]

The appeal of the celebrity news show is something which is completely beyond me. It might be because we don’t have anything like it here but I really don’t understand why each network needs single news readers who reach celebrity status to give their personal opinion on each issue, maybe the networks feel they could get away with more if it’s seen as just one persons view rather than the networks? All of the shows of this type I haven’t enjoyed at all, O'Reilly seemed obnoxious and proud of it, Hannity was the most thinly-veiled propaganda show I've ever seen and Anderson Coopers show seemed poorly presented and tedious. Maybe I just haven’t seen enough of them?

[Suzan]

The appeal of the celebrity news show is something which is completely beyond me. It might be because we don’t have anything like it here but I really don’t understand why each network needs single news readers who reach celebrity status to give their personal opinion on each issue, maybe the networks feel they could get away with more if it’s seen as just one persons view rather than the networks? All of the shows of this type I haven’t enjoyed at all, O'Reilly seemed obnoxious and proud of it, Hannity was the most thinly-veiled propaganda show I've ever seen and Anderson Coopers show seemed poorly presented and tedious. Maybe I just haven’t seen enough of them?
I'd say that's more than enough, lol. I can't think of one at the moment that I like.

How about anybody else? What celeb journalist shows do you watch/like these days?

[VotingHillary]

I'd say that's more than enough, lol. I can't think of one at the moment that I like.

How about anybody else? What celeb journalist shows do you watch/like these days?


I enjoyed Greta's show tonight! :D

[CGP]

O'Reilly's head will explode over this one. And believe me, he'll talk about it because he doesn't miss anything in the press, if it's about him.

Yes, that's because he is possibly the biggest narcissist in the cable news industry & radio business. He certainly has some competition with Rush Limbaugh (right-wing), Sean Hannity (right-wing), Anne Coulter (right-wing), Nancy Grace (obsessed with crime-wing!) and Keith Olbermann (left-wing) but I think O'Reilly is probably the most self-obsessed of them all! I also think O'Reilly is the most damaging of this crowd because he is clearly a smart guy and knows how to distort a story for maximum effect. He thinks he is 100% correct on EVERYTHING. I can't bear to listen to him - the arrogance is toxic to my ears & mind!

Mmm...now that I think of it, Hannity & O'Reilly are probably tied in first place on the "most intolerable" scale...

[CGP]

Anderson Coopers show seemed poorly presented and tedious. Maybe I just haven’t seen enough of them?

AC doesn't annoy me but I just find his stories/presentations really boring. He doesn't really express an opinion and tends to ask questions rather than state an opinion. It's all a bit boring.

[CGP]

How about anybody else? What celeb journalist shows do you watch/like these days?

I watched Rachel Maddow for the first time recently (as in, for more than a minute) and liked her style.

[Lealy]

I watched Rachel Maddow for the first time recently (as in, for more than a minute) and liked her style.

Ok I am a flipper I want to hear what each says and and try to extrapolate the truth (fox is my main). I have never liked Maddow she seemed like a female Oberman. In the last few days I have noticed a very definite turn back toward the middle on MSNBC, during the day today one host actually questioned a dem and demanded answers, yesterday Shuster did something similar and even Maddow. If they don't screech and complain and did some news with their opinion it would be so nice because I hate seeing this blind love for the O no matter how much damage and for them to smile and look like fools. Anywho Maddow did not seem so shrill and I watched for more than a 5 sec flip.

[Suzan]

Oh yes, I do like Greta, always have. Loved her legal show way back when on CNN.

Interesting about Maddow. I had to laugh the other night. The dh is conservative, but he tends to surprise me, like when he decided Hillary would make the strongest pres and abandoned McCain to support her. He even helped me organize the NBC Burbank rally.

We generally watched Fox during the elections because the MSM was so heavily pro-Obama. We're not glued to the news anymore, but he gets home at six and sometimes, probably out of habit, turns on Hannity. The other night he started channel surfing and landed on MSNBC. On purpose, apparently. Said he wanted to watch Rachel! I said what are you doing? He said Hannity's like a broken record. He says the same thing over and over again. I wanted to hear another point of view.

Turns out, he really liked Rachel's assessment of the cons of torture. He'd heard the pros from Cheney's speech, etc., and wanted to hear the other side of the argument. Amazing, huh?

This was with no encouragement from me at all. I've been carrying a grudge against Rachel since she abandoned her gender during the primaries. So, anyway, we listened to most of her show and I have to say she's good--and whether you agree with her or not, she's worth checking out to get another perspective on things.

Possibly the dh thinks Rachel's cute. Shall I tell him she's a Lesbian? ;)

[Suzan]

Ok I am a flipper I want to hear what each says and and try to extrapolate the truth (fox is my main).

I think that's really positive, Lealy. I'm doing more of that lately too. I even switched to Campbell Brown today--and actually liked her segment! I think it was called The Great Debate. I tuned in late. Today it was two Muslims, one a U.S. congressman and I believe they were debating whether moderate Muslims can take their religion back from the extremists.

What I really liked was the way it ended. Brown said they always end the debate segment by trying to find common ground. Each was asked to tell the other where they might be in agreement. That was interesting. One said that they both admired Jefferson, and then went on to describe the qualities that she admired.

[Laura Cereta]

Yes, that's because he is possibly the biggest narcissist in the cable news industry & radio business. He certainly has some competition with Rush Limbaugh (right-wing), Sean Hannity (right-wing), Anne Coulter (right-wing), Nancy Grace (obsessed with crime-wing!) and Keith Olbermann (left-wing) but I think O'Reilly is probably the most self-obsessed of them all! I also think O'Reilly is the most damaging of this crowd because he is clearly a smart guy and knows how to distort a story for maximum effect. He thinks he is 100% correct on EVERYTHING. I can't bear to listen to him - the arrogance is toxic to my ears & mind!

Mmm...now that I think of it, Hannity & O'Reilly are probably tied in first place on the "most intolerable" scale...

genericstamp!

*stamp* O'Reilly's a jerk...

[Spang]

"The Rachel Maddow Show" Only Cable News Program Nominated For TV Critics' Award (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/04/the-rachel-maddow-show-on_n_211512.html)

[cindyb]

I really like O'Reilly even though he irritates the heck out of me sometimes.

I do believe he tries to be fair. I heard him defend Barack's Cairo speech last night, I have heard him defend Barack many times.

He is no pro-choice. He is allowed to be pro-choice.

I think Tiller was a "killer" myself.

I am vehemently opposed to late term abortions, I think they are horrible and should be illegal. Unless, the woman's life is at risk, otherwise, I think it is immoral for any woman to have an abortion after the first trimester.
Generally speaking, of course. There are always rare exceptions, I realize that.

I do not think this Tiller guy is some great defender of women by any means.

I am not defending his murder, the person that killed him was wrong to do so.

[cindyb]

I enjoyed Greta's show tonight! :D

I missed it, darn it.

[Jobu86]

I do believe he tries to be fair. I heard him defend Barack's Cairo speech last night, I have heard him defend Barack many times.



lol, O'reilly fair. He's as fair as Olbermann is. And every time he "defends" Obama, it's in a completely backhanded way that is also criticizing him in some way. Or he defends him when it allows him to insult the "left" even more. Though I will admit that that his talking points from last night about the speech were the kindest he's been to Obama ever.

[cindyb]

lol, O'reilly fair. He's as fair as Olbermann is. And every time he "defends" Obama, it's in a completely backhanded way that is also criticizing him in some way. Or he defends him when it allows him to insult the "left" even more. Though I will admit that that his talking points from last night about the speech were the kindest he's been to Obama ever.

You must not watch him much, last night was no different than his defense and fairness towards Barack I have seen many times.
O'Reilly is no Olbermann, he is not a mean, hateful, elitist IMO.

[Spang]

O'Reilly is no Olbermann, he is not a mean, hateful, elitist IMO.

(Naughty Language)

[Suzan]

Actually, O'Reilly is surprisingly even-handed when it comes to Obama. He does tend to give him the benefit of the doubt. Of course, he doesn't agree with him at all for "apologizing" to the world about the torture. He thinks Obama is encouraging people to see us as a torture nation and O'reilly's pretty adamant about that, but he gives a much more balanced view of Obama than almost anyone else on Fox, much to the dismay of his conservative guests, lol.

It's O'Reilly's ego and smug "I'm smarter than you are" attitude that I can't stomach. And since I'm pro-choice, I can barely watch him talk about Tiller's murder. In fact, I can't watch.

[cindyb]

Actually, O'Reilly is surprisingly even-handed when it comes to Obama. He does tend to give him the benefit of the doubt. Of course, he doesn't agree with him at all for "apologizing" to the world about the torture. He thinks Obama is encouraging people to see us as a torture nation and O'reilly's pretty adamant about that, but he gives a much more balanced view of Obama than almost anyone else on Fox, much to the dismay of his conservative guests, lol.

It's O'Reilly's ego and smug "I'm smarter than you are" attitude that I can't stomach. And since I'm pro-choice, I can barely watch him talk about Tiller's murder. In fact, I can't watch.

He can come across as very arrogant, especially if his opinion is one that a person does not share.

I was glad he gave Barack kudo's for his Cairo speech. I am not an Obama fan but he told it like it is. This country has made some very grave mistakes in the Middle East and him owning up to them is a good thing I think.

[Jobu86]

O'reilly not mean and hateful? Are you serious? And I don't watch him at all, but I read his talking points every single day.

[cindyb]

(Naughty Language) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJjNVVwRCY)


Whoa, that was bad. That was a long time ago, but still. Geesh, chill O'Reilly.

[Spang]

Whoa, that was bad. That was a long time ago, but still. Geesh, chill O'Reilly.

This wasn't such a long time ago:

(No Nudity)

[Suzan]

(Naughty Language) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tJjNVVwRCY)
LOL, that's what happens when you mess with a narcissist and make him look bad on camera. Or ... O'Reilly has some anger management problems.

I watched him totally blow a gasket at Barney Frank, but I was happy about that. Somebody needed too.

[Classical Liberal]

I can't stand O'Reilly in many ways, he's an arrogant jerk, and he went way too soft on Obama. I really think he helped get Obama elected. People like him are who would have helped get a Hitler or Mussolini elected in their day. He continues to kiss up to Obama too much. I watch his show nonetheless everyday because I like it and I think he is pretty fair and balanced in many ways, but on some stuff he just over-does it.

His problem is his show was/is so good that his head swelled up to a mellon size. A lot of people lost respect for O'Reilly after this election for how soft on Obama he was in many ways, from what I head (don't know for sure).

O'Reilly also insults women occassionally, in particular the Laurie Dew who used to be with Fox News. He insulted and made fun of her about her makeup and such multiple times on the air, which I found really obnoxious (and I am NO advocate for political correctness either, but I mean yeesh respect women unless she was a jerk to him behind the scenes and he just wanted revenge, but somehow I doubt it was that way).

When Laurie disappeared from one show, many people were very upset and wrote in, "What happened to Laurie Dew!?" and O'Reilly spoke about this and said she was no appearing on his show on a part called "The Dew Point." But then Laurie disappeared again, for good, this time with no mention of what happened from O'Reilly.

The official thing I read is she just couldn't come to agreement with Fox News over her contract, but I have read some suspect she had a problem with O'Reilly behind-the-scenes and just because of O'Reilly's power from ratings, Fox told Laurie to take a hike or something.

I mean I don't know for sure, but what newswoman LEAVES Fox News, the highest-rated news channel? Getting to Fox is a goal many a newswoman have I am sure, not leaving it.

Hannity is fine I think, he just is a hardcore Reagan conservative, but he does not have the huge head and obnoxiousness of O'Reilly.

[Suzan]

I was just reading through this thread again. Clearly, we are all news junkies, no matter what our leanings.

[Alessandro Machi]

If O'Reilly actually goaded his audience into descending on the clinic where Tiller was killed, and used words like execution, then of course he directly helped cause Tiller's murder and O'Reilly should be sued. O'Reilly is being sued, isn't he?

[Spang]

This is great!

[Spang]

Bill O'Reilly is still a douchebag

[Ikasu]

Bill O'Reilly is still a douchebag (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDV1jsPlKD8&feature=player_embedded)

What an *******.

[Kbentleyis]

There is so much more to this story than being presented.

During Tiller's trial, O'Reilly actually read transcripts and the records that were kept by Tillman. Although he never, never mentioned to kill the doctor, he certainly gave his opinion about the man. He reported during the trial of Tiller, and he reported what took place in his clinic from ACTUAL records/applications kept by the doctor. O'Reilly wasn't the only one that was shocked. Sever other doctors brought this Tiller to trial. Tiller made a fortune from these late term abortions and the ugly techniques used to kill a baby--which O'Reilly reported.

The pro-choice people have never read or investigated this Tiller. They made him out a hero when he was killed and printed/reported it for days. Unfortunately, I've just read some material that is against all humanity this so-called doctor promoted.

No, I do not promote anyone's death. And either did O'Reilly. He reported the news and exposed what was permitted in KS and what this doctor did. Again, unfortunately, many people didn't want to listen, or read what actually took place.

This woman he raked over the coals was pro-choice, and never read or investigated what took place in Tiller's clinic. She was just for abortion---period! He asked her over and over "Do you think a late term child has any rights?" She avoided the question and finally answered "NO." She also blamed O'Reilly for some shooting in a church.

The doctor, because it was "legal" got off on all charges.

When did we come to this? When did we become so desenitized to accept an unborn baby--able to survive out of the womb--have a surgical instrument shoved into the head, scramble the baby's brain, then force birth?

If anyone want's to blame O'Reilly for Tiller's death by reporting what was taking place then so be it. However, during WWII no one wanted to hear about the concentration camps in Europe--no one wanted to accepted the truth of what was going on.

Stay uninformed if you chose so. But there is something inherently wrong about late term abortions performed because someone had second thoughts, or, was unable to play in sports, or things have changed and a baby would complicate things.

I know later term is accepted in a life and death situation, but not for the excuses that hundreds of his patients filled out. That was criminal to me and he should have been sent to prison.

[Spang]

That was criminal to me and he should have been sent to prison.

Dr. Tiller was executed without trial.

[Spang]

She also blamed O'Reilly for some shooting in a church.

Grand jury indicts church shooter on murder, attempted murder

A Knox County grand jury today indicted a 58-year-old Powell man on two charges of first-degree murder in last month's mass shooting at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church.

Jim David Adkisson also was indicted on two counts of felony murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder.

The unemployed truck driver is charged with fatally shooting Greg McKendry, 60, Linda Kraeger, 61, and wounding six others July 27 during a children's presentation of "Annie Jr."

Church members overpowered Adkisson and held him for police.

He is in jail on $1 million bond.

He's accused of entering the church with a sawed-off, 12-gauge semiautomatic shotgun inside a guitar case and opening fire.

Adkisson may be facing federal charges as well.

The Source (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/aug/20/grand-jury-indicts-knoxville-church-shooter-murder/)

Church shooter pleads guilty; letter released

It was a simple plan, he wrote, borne out of hopelessness but rooted in patriotism.

“The future looks bleak,” the ex-soldier lamented. “I’m absolutely fed up! So I thought I’d do something good for this country — kill Democrats ‘til (sic) the cops kill me.”

With what he believed to be his last pen strokes, Jim David Adkisson urged other suicidal soldiers against the “liberalism that’s destroying America” to leave their own trail of carnage behind.

“I’d like to encourage other like-minded people to do what I’ve done,” Adkisson wrote. “If life ain’t worth living anymore, don’t just kill yourself. Do something for your country before you go. Go kill liberals.”

Adkisson pleaded guilty Monday in Knox County Criminal Court to a deadly shooting rampage at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, the Kingston Pike home of what the 58-year-old Powell man deemed “ultra liberals” and “foot soldiers” for the powers-that-be in the liberal movement.

He will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing Greg McKendry, 60, and Linda Lee Kraeger, 61, after opening fire with a sawed-off shotgun inside the church where more than 200 people were gathered to watch a children’s musical. He admitted wounding six others.

The Source (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/feb/10/church-shooter-pleads-guilty-letter-released/)

Bill O'Reilly, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity on accused shooter's reading list

4-page letter outlines frustration, hatred of 'liberal movement'

Police found right-wing political books, brass knuckles, empty shotgun shell boxes and a handgun in the Powell home of a man who said he attacked a church in order to kill liberals "who are ruining the country," court records show.

Knoxville police Sunday evening searched the Levy Drive home of Jim David Adkisson after he allegedly entered the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and killed two people and wounded six others during the presentation of a children's musical.

Knoxville Police Department Officer Steve Still requested the search warrant after interviewing Adkisson. who was subdued by several church members after firing three rounds from a 12-gauge shotgun into the congregation.

Adkisson targeted the church, Still wrote in the document obtained by WBIR-TV, Channel 10, "because of its liberal teachings and his belief that all liberals should be killed because they were ruining the country, and that he felt that the Democrats had tied his country's hands in the war on terror and they had ruined every institution in America with the aid of media outlets."

Adkisson told Still that "he could not get to the leaders of the liberal movement that he would then target those that had voted them in to office."

Adkisson told officers he left the house unlocked for them because "he expected to be killed during the assault."

Inside the house, officers found "Liberalism is a Mental Health Disorder" by radio talk show host Michael Savage, "Let Freedom Ring" by talk show host Sean Hannity, and "The O'Reilly Factor," by television talk show host Bill O'Reilly.

The shotgun-wielding suspect in Sunday's mass shooting at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church was motivated by a hatred of "the liberal movement," and he planned to shoot until police shot him, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling P. Owen IV said this morning.

Adkisson, 58, of Powell wrote a four-page letter in which he stated his "hatred of the liberal movement," Owen said. "Liberals in general, as well as gays."

Adkisson said he also was frustrated about not being able to obtain a job, Owen said.

The letter, recovered from Adkisson's black 2004 Ford Escape, which was parked in the church's parking lot at 2931 Kingston Pike, indicates he had been planning the shooting for about a week.

"He fully expected to be killed by the responding police," the police chief said.

Owen said Adkisson specifically targeted the church for its beliefs, rather than a particular member of the congregation.

"It appears that church had received some publicity regarding its liberal stance," the chief said. The church has a "gays welcome" sign and regularly runs announcements in the News Sentinel about meetings of the Parents, Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays meetings at the church.

Owen said Adkisson's stated hatred of the liberal movement was not necessarily connected to any hostility toward Christianity or religion per say, but rather the political advocacy of the church.

The church's Web site states that it has worked for "desegregation, racial harmony, fair wages, women's rights and gay rights" since the 1950s. Current ministries involve emergency aid for the needy, school tutoring and support for the homeless, as well as a cafe that provides a gathering place for gay and lesbian high-schoolers.

Adkisson does not appear to be a member of any church himself, Owen said.

"In his written statement, he does not ascribe to any affiliation," the chief said. "It does not appear he's a member of any organized group."

Officers recovered 76 shells for a 12-gauge, semiautomatic shotgun inside the church. Among those shells were three spent rounds. He had carried the shotgun inside the church in a guitar case, Owen said.

"He certainly intended to take a lot of casualties," the chief said.

Adkisson is accused of killing two people and injuring seven others. He is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Greg McKendry, 60. Also killed in the shooting was Linda Kraeger, 61, who was visiting the church from Westside Unitarian Universalist Church.

Injured were Joe Barnhart, 76, and Jack Barnhart, 69, who are brothers; Betty Barnhart, 71; Linda Chavez, 41; John Worth Jr., 68; Tammy Sommers, 38; and Allison Lee, 42. Jack and Joe Barnhart are brothers, and Jack and Betty Barnhart are married.

At about 10:25 a.m., two staffers from Second Presbyterian Church next door, placed a large flower arrangement from their church's sanctuary atop TVUUC's sign along Kingston Pike.

"Our hearts go out to this church. This is our community. We love these people," said Julie Lothrop, assistant to the pastor.

The shooting began at 10:18 a.m. Adkisson was arrested minutes later after being restrained by church members.

Three of those wounded remain in critical or serious condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Two others were treated at a local hospital and released. One of those suffered an injury when trampled as worshippers left the church.

The letter was not addressed to anyone but was signed by Adkisson, Owen said.

Adkisson's criminal history includes a DUI in Calfornia and in Clinton.

He had been a member of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne, according to Owen.

Public Defender Mark Stephens' office has been appointed to represent Adkisson.

Through a spokeswoman this morning, Stephens said he could not comment.

If the suspect's own resume is accurate, Owen said, Adkisson worked in a variety of places across the country and most recently worked in Knoxville in 2006. The chief did not specify where Adkisson last held a job. Adkisson also holds an associates degree in mechanical engineering.

More than 200 people were packed into the church's sanctuary watching the children's musical, "Annie Jr." when a gunman opened fire.

McKendry, according to witnesses and police, confronted Adkisson, who shot him with a 12-gauge shotgun.

Witness Barbara Kemper said Adkisson walked past the area where children were awaiting their stage call and into the sanctuary.

Witnesses said Adkisson did not aim the shotgun at children but focused on the pews filled with adults. The first blast left many wondering if the disabling boom was part of the musical program.

"We heard the first shot," said Marty Murphy, 66, a church member since 2000. "It sounded like a bomb went off. We thought it was part of the program at first.

"The second shot is when everyone started calling 911 and telling everyone to get down."

Murphy and others said Adkisson didn't say a thing before he began firing. Kemper, however, said Adkisson was yelling "something hateful."

Witnesses said Adkisson had a fanny pack around his waist that contained extra shells for his shotgun.

"There were shotgun shells all over the place, so he must have thought he was going to get more shots in," Murphy said. "He had those shells everywhere.

"Who would have thought, here in Knoxville?" she said.

News Sentinel staff writers Bob Fowler, J.J. Stambaugh, Frank Munger and Amy McRary contributed to this story.

More details as they develop online and in Tuesday's News Sentinel.

News Sentinel staff writers Bob Fowler, J.J. Stambaugh, Frank Munger and Amy McRary contributed to this story.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.

The Source (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/Jul/28/church-shooting-police-find-manifesto-suspects-car/)