The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Staff, Wire Reports

Posted: Sunday, January 21, 2018 07:24 PM

Blount County Church Fill Church - Not To Worship But To Prepare

BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (SOURCE: WVLT) Law enforcement officials in Blount County sent a strong message Monday night: East Tennesseans should do all they can to prevent mass shootings inside places of worship.

"I think the Texas church shooting is a catalyst which has pushed us to where we're at," said Sergeant Josh Blair with the Blount County Sheriff's Office "This is designed to be an eye-opening experience for local churches and places of worship."

Almost 1,000 people gathered at East Maryville Baptist Church Monday night to learn how to react in the event of an attack on the congregation.

Sergeant Blair says people should make a plan now. He also said the only way to respond to an active shooter is with another gun.

"If they go into our churches or schools, there is numbers and there is always power in numbers," said Sgt. Blair. "Fight back, don't be a victim, fight back in some way from or fashion."

"I think that we as Americans are saying we're not going to take this active shooter situation coming into our places of worship," said Sgt. Blair.

Officials said the most important thing is to have a plan and know what needs to be done before police arrive. The Blount County Sheriff's Office did not have another training session planned, but did not rule out the possibility of holding another one in the future.