An 18-year-old missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hospitalized in serious, but stable, condition after being shot in an Alabama church.
The victim, Elder Michael Fauber, 18, of Dayton, Ohio, is currently serving in the Alabama Birmingham Mission.
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According to a statement from Sam Penrod, a spokesman with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fauber was “with two other missionaries and a group of people interested in learning more about the Church. A weekly athletic activity was being held and basketball was being played in the cultural hall. At approximately 8:30 p.m., Elder Fauber spoke with an unknown individual who came into the building during the activity. A few moments later, Elder Fauber was shot multiple times. The shooter then fled.”
Penrod said that Fauber was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham and has undergone surgery. He said that the other missionaries that were present were not physically hurt, but are receiving counseling.
According to their statement, the Church is cooperating with law enforcement and is awaiting additional details from investigators.
According to a press release from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, “upon arrival, it was discovered that a male entered the gymnasium at this location where a group of teenagers was playing basketball and fired shots.”
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They are still seeking the shooter and are asking for anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
