Shootings at two religious facilities in Colorado

[DeltAlum]

At least three killed in separate shootings in Colorado religious facilities:

http://cbs4denver.com/local/shooting....2.607051.html

The first in Arvada, a Denver suburb and the second in a Colorado Springs church that had difficulties in the recent past.

Details on both still lacking.

[kathykd2005]

How horrible. What is WRONG with people?

[DeltAlum]

There is some evidence, according to today's Rocky Mountain News, that the two incidents were related and that the suspect, who was shot to death by a female volunteer security guard at the Colorado Springs church may have been the same person. Allegedly, the suspect(s?) in both dressed the same way and was a white male in his 20's.

While I understand (especially given the recent events) the reason for them, it's unfortunate that a church would need armed security guards.

[scbelle]

It's absolutely horrible to think that people can't even be safe in the House of the Lord anymore... I really do feel for the 5 victims and their families.

But armed guards??? Gives a whole new meaning to "Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition." I'm glad that New Life had them, but I'm just in shock that it's come to that.

[1908Revelations]

I saw on the news that the second church got the guards after the other incident happend hours before. Yeah, it is really awful!

[GeekyPenguin]

My church has had armed guards for a few years now - we only have two, but we're located in the heart of the city and have had some problems with crazy people coming in before. We have a pretty large homeless ministry and everyone seems to appreciate having the guards.

It's so sad that this happened - it's the type of thing that makes you scared to go out in public.

[DeltAlum]

Originally Posted by 1908Revelations

I saw on the news that the second church got the guards after the other incident happend hours before. Yeah, it is really awful!

I think they always have armed guards and when the word came out on the Arvada shooting, they "beefed up" security -- according to the Denver news outlets.

Having volunteer armed guards seems like an incredible liability to me, but I guess the events of the weekend prove them to be worthwhile.

ETA...The two organizations seem to have some kind of common bond (beyond religious). The missionary organization in Arvada has a "small office" on the campus of the Colorado Springs church, although there is reportedly no formal link between the two. It's a little confusing, and I suspect more will come out in the days ahead.