Letter found in shooter's vehicle

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 28 (UPI) -- Tennessee authorities refused Monday to discuss a handwritten letter found in the vehicle of the man accused of killing two people at a Knoxville church.

However, a police report alleges the suspect told police he targeted the church to kill liberals "who are ruining the country," Knoxville media reported Monday.

Jim D. Adkisson is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Greg McKendry, 60. He faces further charges in the death of Linda Kraeger, 61, and the wounding of seven others at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church Sunday, The Knoxville News Sentinel said.

John Gill of the Knox County district attorney's office told reporters "it would be inappropriate at this time" to discuss any evidence that may or may not have been found.

Citing a report by Knoxville Police officer Steve Still, obtained by WBIR-TV, the News Sentinel said a search of Adkisson's home turned up right-wing political literature and weapons, including brass knuckles and a handgun, as well as empty shotgun shell boxes.

Investigators said they found copies of "Liberalism is a Mental Disorder" by radio talk show host Michael Savage, "Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism" by radio and TV host Sean Hannity, and "The O'Reilly Factor," by radio and TV host Bill O'Reilly.

The document said Adkisson told investigators he targeted the church "because of its liberal teachings and his belief that all liberals should be killed because they were ruining the country."

More than 200 people were in the church's sanctuary watching children perform a musical when the gunman opened fire.