ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- One person is dead after a gunman opened fire in a church Sunday. Witnesses blamed the shooting at St. Paul's Albanian Catholic Church on a six-year-old blood feud, according to The Associated Press.
Gjek Isfuaj, 38, of Madison Heights, died after being shot three or four times. The Detroit News reported that authorities arrested Gjon Pepaj, 38, in connection with the shooting.
Worshipers feared a terrorist attack and tried to flee the church. Eight people were injured, including some who suffered cuts as they jumped through windows, a police spokesman said.
Parishioner Luigi Gjokaj, 42, said the shooting occurred as the priest was preparing to distribute the sacrament. He said the attacker stood up and shouted, “Yes, I am here,†before shooting Isfuaj. Police said at least eight shots were fired. There were about 1,000 people inside the church at the time, but no one else was injured by gunfire.
Gjokaj told police the two men had been friends before Pepaj became angry at Isfuaj six years ago. The reason for the feud was not immediately known.
Pepaj was accompanied by his two children, a 13-year-old girl and a 11-year-old boy.
