Nashville churchgoer, called a 'hero' for stopping shooting, asks for prayers for victims, shooter

The 22-year-old man who confronted a man with a gun at an Antioch church Sunday is being called a hero by Nashville police.

Robert Engle "physically engaged" with the suspected shooter, who police say is 25-year-old Emanuel Samson. During the struggle between Engle and Samson, the shooter was shot in the chest, said Metro Nashville Police Chief Steve Anderson.

"He's the hero. He's the person who stopped this madness," Anderson said during a news conference.

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Police say Samson wore a neoprene ski mask when he shot and killed a woman in the parking lot of Burnette Chapel Church of Christ, at the end of the church service shortly after 11 a.m.

With his blue Nissan Xterra still running, the gunman then entered the rear sanctuary doors of the church and began "indiscriminately" shooting, police said.

Engle confronted Samson after he entered the church. Samson pistol-whipped Engle. After Samson shot himself, Engle went to his vehicle, got his own weapon and held Samson at gunpoint until police arrived, police said.

Engle said in a statement released Sunday evening that he'd attended the church since he was a small child and he did not want to be labeled as a hero.

"I ask everyone to pray for the victims, family members of the victims, our church community. Please pray for healing. Also, please pray for the shooter, the shooter’s family and friends. They are hurting as well," Engle said.

Engle's grandmother said Sunday afternoon she's proud of her grandson.

"That’s like him. He’s just someone who cares about a lot of people. He has all their feelings at heart," said Rheta Engle, 69.

"It would make any parent, grandparent very, very proud of him."

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Blake Langford described his friend, who goes by his middle name Caleb, as a gentle giant.

"He’s just a great guy," said Langrod, 20.

"Just one of the kindest human beings you’ll ever meet."

Engle was treated at TriStar Skyline Medical Center and released Sunday evening.

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Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892, dboucher@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.