Illinois pastor deflected gunshot with Bible during sermon.

**HiredGoon** · March 8th, 2009, 05:10 PM

Police: Ill. pastor deflected gunshot with Bible

By JIM SUHR, Associated Press

MARYVILLE, Ill. – Illinois State Police say the pastor gunned down at a church in a St. Louis suburb used a Bible to deflect the first of four rounds fired during his Sunday sermon.

State Police Director Larry Trent says the Bible exploded, producing what appeared to be confetti.

Trent says about 150 people in attendance initially believed the episode was a skit being performed as part of the service at First Baptist Church in Maryville.

Trent says only one of the four rounds fired from the .45 caliber handgun struck and killed 45-year-old pastor Fred Winters.

Two congregants and the gunman suffered stab wounds while the gunman was wrestled to the floor after his gun jammed.

Trent says no one at the church recognized the gunman.

**jpavoncello** · March 8th, 2009, 06:45 PM

Glad to see all those strict Illinois gun laws are doing the job. Obviously there were no concealed weapon permit holders there.

**Mtbkski** · March 8th, 2009, 07:38 PM

And once again, I'm sure that carrying in church is not the wrong thing to do.

Gee, wonder if this makes the church people that were trying to ban handguns in church have a different view now. They probably figure that if the law had passed, that the guy wouldn't have brought the gun into church.

Thank goodness his gun jammed after four rounds, or who knows how many others may have died.

**nijwnfi** · March 8th, 2009, 07:50 PM

" I will now read from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and... Duck!!"
First thing I thought of when I heard this story. I know some oldtimers on here thought it too.

**edstephan** · March 8th, 2009, 08:46 PM

And who was it that asked why I carry in church?
CC in Church
guns in church?

Because of shit like this

An OC Activist and 1 of the 3%
Ed Stephan

**Mtbkski** · March 8th, 2009, 08:49 PM

Originally Posted by edstephan

And who was it that asked why I carry in church?
CC in Church
guns in church?

Because of shit like this

An OC Activist and 1 of the 3%
Ed Stephan

Amen brother.

**MrBi11** · March 8th, 2009, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by nijwnfi

" I will now read from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and... Duck!!"
First thing I thought of when I heard this story. I know some oldtimers on here thought it too.

Excuse me while I whip this out....