Gunman with a grudge kills ex-friend in church service

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. -- A six-year feud came to a deadly end during a church service when one man stood up and repeatedly shot another just as the priest was preparing to distribute communion.

At least seven people were injured trying to flee St. Paul's Albanian Church on Sunday, some by leaping out windows, authorities said. Most of the injuries were cuts and bruises.

Police arrested a 38-year-old man identified only as a resident of Rochester Hills. Charges might not be filed until Tuesday because of the number of witnesses investigators planned to interview, Oakland County sheriff's Capt. Michael McCabe said Monday.

Witness Luigi Gjokaj said the gunman stood up and yelled "Yes, I am here," then shot Gjek Isufaj, 38, in the back of the head. He shot Isufaj several more times, then fired into the air and yelled "I done what I was supposed to do," Gjokaj said.

Some of the approximately 1,400 churchgoers fled after the shots, most running for the doors while a few leapt through windows, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. The suspect was wrestled to the ground by nearby worshippers, one of whom was injured.

The suspect was at the service with his children, ages 11 and 13.

"I first thought it was a terrorist attack," said Gjokaj, 42. "It's a really tragic event for us in the Albanian community. I never thought in my life something would happen like this."

Authorities and witnesses said the shooting was the result of a six-year vendetta, but did not say what the feud was about.

Neither man was a member of the church, and it was unclear whether the shooting resulted from a chance encounter or whether it was premeditated.

In a statement Sunday, the Rev. Anton Kqira called the shooting "the result of a dispute between individuals."

"Our prayers and condolences go out to the family of the victim," Kqira said.

Bouchard said investigators found two handguns and at least eight shell casings, and the suspect had a spare magazine in his pocket. He said the victim was struck by a couple of bullets that went through the back of the pew.

"It's sad that someone would do this anywhere," Bouchard said. "But to have it happen in a church makes it worse."

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