It’s the times we live in. The reality that someone can walk into a church service and began shooting at people while in worship, is becoming far more common.
Wednesday morning Floyd Palmer, 52, a former employee at Creflo Dollars’ World Changers International, calmly walked into a prayer service and opened fire on church-goers. 20-25 people watched in horror as Greg McDowell, 39, was mortally wounded. It is unclear if McDowell was specifically targeted, but it’s believed the worship leader was shot 6 times.
About 6 hours later authorities arrested Floyd Palmer at Macy’s department store at Lenox Square in Buckhead just before 4 p.m. after his car was spotted at the mall.
The Suspect Floyd Palmer, 52
Fulton County police spokeswoman Cpl. Kay Lester said, the victim Greg McDowell was a member of the church’s production crew and a facilities maintenance manager at the church located in College Park, Georgia. Lester said the shooter Floyd Palmer was a former employee and had resigned in August for personal reasons.
Dollar was not at the church at the time of the shooting, Lester said.
The news of the shooting swept across Atlanta area, and then the country within hours. Several members voiced their condolences for the victim.
Karen Webb, who had taken her mother to the church for Bible study, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she was told the victim was shot six times. “I brought my mother up here to go to church — every Wednesday she attends Bible study. As soon as we get here I’m told someone has been shot,” Webb said. “He was one of the praise leaders.”
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Dollar, a popular televangelist, started World Changers Ministries in 1986 with eight members, holding services in the cafeteria of a local elementary school, according to the church’s website. Its campus now occupies 81 acres, with services held in the 8,500-seat World Dome. Dollar is a regular on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Dollar could not be reached for comment. Ken Terry, a pastor at the church and the family’s spokesman called McDowell a “tremendous leader, role model and father.” He called the shooting an unfortunate tragedy perpetrated by a volunteer who had been with the church for 10 years. He said Greg McDowell had been a long time member of the church also. “He was faithful for a number of years. We have known him for years. Since he was a little kid.” Terry spoke of McDowell’s two sons. “He spent a tremendous amount of time with them. He was the model dad.” Neighbors told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that McDowell’s wife’s name is Rosetta and the couple have two toddlers.
Throughout the afternoon, mourners streamed into McDowell’s home, many carrying food. Marlene Guice said she saw the victim Wednesday morning while she was in her yard and he was on the way to church. “I waved at him like I always do.” Guice, who has lived two doors from McDowell for two years, said she met him while walking her dogs in the neighborhood. “He was a very good person. They stayed to themselves, but were very nice. The nicest people you could ever meet.”
