Pastor gunned down in Idaho church parking lot, motive still unclear
A pastor in Idaho was gunned down on Sunday in a church parking lot but authorities still cannot figure out the exact motive for the shooting.
On Sunday, police responded to a call about a shooting at Altar Church before 2 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Pastor Tim Remington with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was rushed to Kootenai Medical Center for treatment. As of Monday morning, the local pastor's condition has been labeled as stable, according to KREM.
Pastor Remington sustained at least six gunshot wounds, including in the head and lung, but is expected to survive the injuries, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The Coeur d'Alene Police Department has already issued a warrant of Attempted First-Degree Murder for former marine Kyle Odom, the suspect in the shooting of Pastor Remington. Police cannot find any connection between the suspect and the church, and they still do not know if the shooting is connected to the pastor's participation in presidential candidate Ted Cruz's rally on Saturday.
However, police chief Lee White said it appears that the attack was planned ahead of time. He also mentioned that Odom has a history of mental illness and that he came to church on Sunday armed, the report details.
Remington's family also believes the shooting is not connected to the pastor's prayer at Cruz's rally. They think it was done by a person with mental problems, the report relays.
In a statement released via text message on Monday afternoon, Odom's family reacted to the Sunday shooting.
"Our family is devastated by Sunday's events. We are praying for Pastor Tim, his family and his continued recovery," Odom's family said in the message. "We are also praying for Kyles [sic] safe return and to get the help he needs. We love you Kyle! Please respect our family's privacy during this trying time."
Based on security camera footage, Odom left the vicinity after the shooting and headed west toward Spokane. He was seen leaving the church parking lot riding a 2004 silver Honda Accord with the plate number K578519.
Police are still looking for the 30-year-old suspect. Kyle Odom has blonde hair and blue eyes, stands about six feet tall, and weights around 170 lbs.