‘It did happen here’
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Could it happen in Emporia? Yes. It already has.
For some area residents, the shootings at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., brought back memories from 1988, when Cheun-Phon Ji, a 29-year-old from Taiwan, entered Calvary Baptist Church, 702 Arundel St., and opened fire on the congregation.
“It did happen here. It could happen again, and we need to be on our guard,” said Jerry Waddell, who was attending the Sunday morning service at the church the day of the shooting.
Tom DeWeese of Americus died at the church of a gunshot wound to the heart. Four others were hospitalized with injuries, and two more managed to dodge the bullets Ji sprayed into the church sanctuary.
Waddell took time Wednesday afternoon to talk about his memories of the incident, and his role in ending the shooting.
Waddell chased Ji from the church and wrestled him to the pavement where, with the assistance of two other men from the church, Ji was held until police arrived.
“Somebody had to do something,” Waddell said. “Obviously I was in a position to do something.”
Waddell became the first civilian to receive the Gold Award for Valor from the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, for his courage in apprehending Ji. He was nominated for the honor by former Emporia Police Chief Larry Blomenkamp and former Lyon County Sheriff Cliff Hacker.
According to Gazette archives, Ji — also known here as Paul Ji — graduated from Emporia State University in 1984 with a master’s degree. During his time here, he’d had a brief friendship with a member of the church, and sometimes had attended services and a Bible class there.
“He apparently had visions of some romantic attachment to a girl at the church that didn’t want anything to do with him,” Waddell said.
Ji later left the area and lived on both the East and West Coasts for a time. He was driving a late-model Cadillac with California license plates when he returned to Emporia on March 6, 1988, and drove to the church.
That morning, a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper stopped Ji about three miles south of the Emporia interchange on the Turnpike to give him a warning ticket for speeding, He apparently was en route to the church at the time.
When he arrived, he parked his car in the parsonage driveway, entered the church from a seldom-used side door, and walked to the back of the sanctuary shortly after the service began. Ji had slipped a clip of ammunition into his 9 mm semi-automatic handgun and put on ear protectors.
As usher Scott Davies approached to hand a church bulletin to Ji, Davies saw Ji raise a gun toward him and fire twice. The men were about 20 feet apart.
“I don’t know how he missed, but he missed,” Davies was quoted in a Gazette article after the shooting.
Davies jumped behind a pillar and made his way to a telephone to call 911.
Ji had used 15 bullets and was attempting to install another clip when Waddell saw what he was doing and quickly rose to subdue him.
“I was the first one up and chased him out of the church,” Waddell said. “Rick Grossenbacher saw what was going on and followed me out of the church.
Waddell at that point did not have time for fear.
“I was angry more than anything, for someone coming in and disrupting the church like that,” Waddell said. “You don’t really think about the danger there. You just know something has to be done. … Of course, at the time, I didn’t realize that Tom DeWeese had been killed.”
Ji had a head start on Waddell and it seemed that he might somehow escape, so Waddell used the only weapon he had at hand — a hymnal he had been singing from just before the shooting started.
“I was chasing him out of the building, out in the street, and I couldn’t quite catch him, so I threw my hymnal,” Waddell recalled on Wednesday.
The hymnal hit Ji in the head and caused him to slow momentarily. Waddell caught up to the shooter and grabbed him around the neck, bringing him to the pavement.
“We slid clear out in the middle of the street,” he said. “I was on top of him.”
Grossenbacher landed on top of both of them to keep Ji held to the ground, and another church member, Richard Goza, was not far behind. Goza grabbed the gun that Ji still held in his hand.
“Ji asked Rick, ‘Don’t you know me?’ or something like that,” Waddell said. “He commented something like, ‘I want to kill Christians. You’re all like Jim Bakker,’” an evangelist who was sent to prison for misappropriating funds from his and Tammy Faye Bakker’s television ministry.
Waddell, Grossenbacher and Goza were cited later in a Kansas House of Representatives resolution for their courage and actions in capturing Ji and holding him for police.
“Waddell probably saved a bunch of lives today,” Police Lt. Larry Adams said in a Gazette article after the shooting. “If he hadn’t made a move, that guy probably would have re-loaded.”
Ji was tried in Lyon County District Court and found guilty of one count of first-degree murder and six counts of attempted first-degree murder. The trial was held in March 1990, about two years after the shooting.
In an interview with The Gazette after the trial, Ji contended that his actions were “the result of hatred caused by his years of victimization in an oppressive American society.”
He was sentenced to life in prison on the murder charge and to six terms of 10 years to life on the attempted murder charges. He currently is serving time at Ellsworth, a medium- to high-security penitentiary operated by the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Although the shooting is 18 years in the past, it is something that never really leaves Waddell’s mind. Reports of shootings at schools, universities and in workplaces across the country are continuing reminders to him that safety is something that can never be taken for granted.
And he was reminded of the small, unpredictable world we live in when his stepdaughter called this week to say that the daughter of a friend was killed in the Virginia Tech shooting rampage.
“Young people today have a lot of stress and strain on them,” he said. “I don’t know what the solution is. I wish I had some real words of wisdom that could fix all that.”
He’s bothered by assumptions that Emporia is a “safe” place to be, and that nothing would ever happen on the university campus.
“I imagine those kids back in Virginia would have said the same thing the day before,” Waddell said.
1mafia (anonymous) says...
I dont think you are focusing on the fact that the VT shooting was of a troubled youth, here you are just adding to the fact that he was Asian. There have been other shootings in Emporia over the years. Why must we focus on the one where the individual was Asian. How about the African American that shot a litte lady in the old Bruff's, or how about the 3 white guys that took the life of another young man. I believe this article is profiling against the Asian community. Now if you think im Asian im not. I am a proud Mexican and will be glad to prove it.
April 20, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Emporia_Proud (anonymous) says...
No one is focusing on the fact that he is Asian. This could have been something more had Waddell not done something. But because of him only one man is dead. Had he reloaded more would have died.
Also, you obviously do not know anything about profiling, because no one said "watch out for Asians they will shoot anyone." But not a single line says this.
It would be like if I said because you commented you are profiling a predominatly white paper of being racist. Or I could say that because you only mentioned Asian, Whites and Blacks (this is just as acceptable). That you are profiling all their races because there have Hispanic shootings as well.
We all live here and any human being is capable of something this horrible and we just need to pay more attention because we are all in this together.
April 20, 2007 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hjcary (anonymous) says...
I agree with Emporia_Proud. I think it was saying here is a group of people sitting and worshiping the Lord in what is considered a "safe non violent" place and here comes someone who just starts unloading bullets on unsuspecting people just like in a class room setting (safe, non-violent place). My husband was sitting with the youth group that morning at Calvary Baptist and two of his friends were shot. It is something you do not forget and it will change the lives of everyone that was in that room in the VT shootings that survived.
April 20, 2007 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
midnight_rider (anonymous) says...
No one is adding race to the story. It was a fact. Race has nothing to do with it. What matters is that this is AMERICA, remember land of the free and home of the brave. The land where we should be free to go to Church and School without fear. I remember the shooting at the church and the whole court issue. No it was not a pleasant thing to go through. But we must learn from the past, protect our children and elders, and watch out for each other.
April 20, 2007 at 9:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barbara61 (anonymous) says...
This story brought back a few heavy thoughts for me. I moved here 4 years after this shooting. I moved from Texas to Chase Co. Lets just say I came across a very evil man. I came here happy & healthy with a wonderful husband and my little two year old son. I had no prior record of any kind and my gun was registered with the Houston Police Dept . I had own this gun years before even moving here. I never used it. Most southern people learn how to shoot a gun at a very young age and you are taught to never pick it up unless it is a life threatnening problem. The man was my moms new husband. The crime being off the charts in Houston we moved here. Problems started immediatly. When my husband left for work, he would try to make sexual advances towards me. When I let him know that I was not interested in his advances. He started writing threatening letters to me. I took the letters to the police they claimed nothing could be done UNTIL he acted on the letters. They never explained the gun laws to us. He even was trying to kill his own mother at the time this was going on for insurance money. He went as far as saying my husband at the time burned her house down. This man was evil . The problem came to a boil when he came to my house kicked the door down and grabbed my husband by the throat and was choking him in front of our son. Southern people cant deal with that kind of disrespect to our home. We are taught our home is sacred. I shot him to remove him from my husband. He was killing my husband in front of me . This man had been in prison 8 times the law said I knew he was dangerous . I wont lie I was trying to kill that bastard. I was looking at 15 to life in prison. I ended up with 10 years probation with the daughter of Mr. Deweese. I was harrased to the point of no return by her. She reminded me everyday that I should have not used a gun and that I should be in prison. The stress on my marriage was so bad I got divorced, filed bankruptcy, lost my right to vote. I also lost rights to carry my gun. The stress did damage to my husband too, He went into a depression and started using drugs and drinking after the divorce. He is now serving time in a prison. Our lives were destroyed coming here and we did not come here to do that to our self. NO ONE would be crazy enough to want this. I have never spoke to my mom since. I guess my whole point would be that I cant blame her for being pissed off I would be too. Her pain was still fresh and raw. My prayers are with her.. rather she knows that are not . We have both been through a pain that altered our lives and profoundly changed us as humans forever. People need to know the cost of shooting a gun in a state that has terrible self protection laws and they are still vague.
April 20, 2007 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goliberal (anonymous) says...
So what is the solution here? We can't fence off campuses or have armed guards at every entrance. We can't racially profile; that would be unethical and wouldn't really help. I hate to say it in a red state, but folks, it should not be so easy to get a gun in the U.S. THose of you who think that MORE guns will help solve the problem (some think that more guns will help people defend themselves more effectively) need to really think about that. It doesn't make much sense. Check out the murder rates in the U.K., where it is extremely difficult to get a gone. There practically isn't a murder rate. I suppose this will probably fall on deaf ears. I just wish our founding fathers would have been able to understand the implications of the right to bear arms.
April 23, 2007 at 6:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barbara61 (anonymous) says...
I dont think it is the guns, its the nut jobs that own them. I owned my gun for years and grew up shooting guns and I never had a problem. I move here and had to use it in a self defense case. I end up with my life destroyed. That day could have been worse. The man that kicked my door down had a shot gun in his car that day. Thank God he did not bring that on the porch with him or I would not be writing this comment. What I found very distrubing is he had been in prison 8 times. What the hell was he doing with a gun. He has been to prison a couple more times since this all took place 15 to 16 years ago. He had the nerve to call my house from a pay phone from a half way house in Wichita about 8 years ago and make death threats on my sons life. He was bragging that he could take him out from a long distance away to get even with me. Reminding me that he was a good hunter.( He may want to remember so am I ) So if you ask me thats the kind of people I will never understand owning a gun. It is very easy to get one in the city. Im from Houston and I could go right now and get anything I wanted being a semi or full auto if I wanted. If you got the money you can get anything you want from the streets in a real hood. The bad guys dont go to the gun store they go to the streets. You also have to realize theres a lot of bad cops that should not own one neighter. Thats why there not trusted by the public like they once was. We see to much corruption. The same cop I was asking for help from and couldnt get it... till it was to late. I am hearing is turning his head while meth is being run through his town for profit. I have told my kids to never trust the law or there goverment none of them give a crap about you. The way the world is getting the law cant be everywhere. Be prepared to protect yourself. Just today on the news the military is lying about Tillmans death, You cant trust them.
April 25, 2007 at 8:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tunit (anonymous) says...
Well, after reading the two random, rambling postings from Barbara I feel much better. Who would have thought, cops turning a blind eye to "drug running?" Somehow, I don't think so. Maybe in Texas, but not here. If you don't like Kansas so much, go back to Texas. And goliberal, you can have my guns when you pry them from my cold, dead fingers. Good luck.
April 25, 2007 at 9:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaE (anonymous) says...
My theory on gun control: If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing against registering your weapons or providing your fingerprints to the State in which you reside. Otherwise, what is the problem?
M
April 25, 2007 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barbara61 (anonymous) says...
My point was Tunit , If someone wants a gun it really is that easy was my point. The criminals own better guns then the law anymore. I do love Texas and that will always be my love and if they ever clean up there crime and illegals there I would be more than happy to move out of this screwed up place. Where I had nothing but problems with Kansans since I got here. Your people are the rudest & unmannered people I have ever come across. I dont call a self defense problem that turned my life up side down rambling. I hope you have to use that gun one day and you will find out how backwards YOUR Kansas law is. As far as that law you think is not corrupt here go to Chase CO. and listen to people that are born and raised here have to say they may confirm just what I said. I have heard that rumor from several people not just one. Your law is no better than anyone elses buddy.. WAKE UP.
April 25, 2007 at 11:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
barbara61 (anonymous) says...
I wanted to also add thank God for people like Jerry Waddell are more people could have ended up hurt or dead . We need more angels in the world like him. It just seems to be to much evil among us anymore.
April 25, 2007 at 11:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rothe31 (anonymous) says...
I was 7 at the time of the shooting. I had begged to stay w/ my parents that sunday monring but they said no and that was that. I was in childrens church at the time of the incident. All I can remember was my dad coming over and telling the person in charge of us what had happened, and going to WAW where the Hornets play basketball and seeing Goza's son lift up a flap of material and showing my brother he had been hit but not told anyone. Bobby and Daniel were both hit, and my brother was sitting inbetween them 2.
I honestly don't think that singling out a race is what has happened or was ment to happen. There are distrout people out there that don't know how to handle them selfs and there outburst of rage. Asian, Black, White, Mexican, we, as all races, are capiable of doing the same thing Paul Ji did that sunday morning. It just so happens that the VT shooting was another asian kid which I really think brought back the memories of 1988 and the small church on Arundel street.
I am 26 now and honestly to this day have NEVER forgot that tramatic experience. I think about it everytime I hear about a crazed dramatic shooter doing something so senseless to make a "statement". I have heard the tape recording they made that day while the song was going and how quick those 15 rounds were unleashed into an unknowing crowd of inocent people that did nothing but love and want to serve there lord the best way they knew how.
I think the whole columbine shooting is what struck me the hardest and that was 2 cacausin boys that were misdirected, misled, misunderstood, and mistaked for what kind of carnage they could unleash for what ever their true reason was. Hate is an aweful thing and I think we need to just remember, Kindness is the best answer. No matter how mad you get at someone for anything, Let it go and move on life is to short, and people will go to extreme measures to make a statement at any cost!
Christian Rothe'
July 18, 2007 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
47hclwym (anonymous) says...
Sorry Barbara and good job Rothe'
July 19, 2007 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kitty93 (anonymous) says...
My uncle got shot in that shooting. The story is, before the service, he was sitting in the spot Mr. Deweese was sitting in, but he and his friends got up to go do something. When they got back, Mr. Deweese was sitting there, so they moved to a different pew. If he hadn't moved, my family would be very different. I would not have six of my cousins. Instead of death, all he got was a bullet grazing his leg. This is very sobering.
November 13, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marebear14 (anonymous) says...
This is for barbara61. I live in Chase County and I don't see the sheriff's department making money from drug labs. As a matter of fact I believe the sheriff we have now is try very hard to solve the problems of drugs in our community. If you want to help with the drug issue in Chase county you could always help with the Chase County Drug Free Action Team. The phone number to contact them is 273-6750. This is also the local youth technology center which does provide alternate things for the youth and population at large to do.
November 13, 2007 at 2:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marebear14 (anonymous) says...
I apologize for my last post being off subject. I am a gun owner and would use it to defend me and mine. I don't believe this article was profiling any group just stating the facts. I do believe from what I read this could have turned out much worse. Very fast thinking on the part of Mr. Waddell and the others. May God always bless you.
November 13, 2007 at 2:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marksman61 (anonymous) says...
To the person who posts comments under the name 1mafia, they are not neccesarily focused on the guy who is Asian but on the fact that the guy opened fire on a large group of people. Take it from me because I was there as a 7year kid who was on the back row that day and was pushed under the seats by my dad who could have been shot that day, but wasn't because the 2nd clip was not fully loaded. And to everyone else you cannot understand what happened unless you were there and therefore you cannot comment on this issue.
December 14, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lilan (anonymous) says...
There are also those who went to that church, but were not there that day because they were sick. I went to that church, & watched what my Dad, brother, & sister went through. What I saw them go through, I wouldn't wish on anyone, even my worst enemy. It didn't seem to bother my brother as much, as what it did my sister. And that day was the 1rst day out of 2 that I ever saw my Dad cry. Going through something like that is horrendous. I don't think that they were singling the guy out in the articles because of his race, but for the fact that he shot a gun into a large group.
March 29, 2009 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
On that fateful day, I lost a very caring and loving cousin, who was also a caring and loving husband and father . There is not a day that goes by that I do not remember the many years that Tommy, Carl, Lee Harold, Lesly, Uncle Warren, Aunt Bertha and Great Grandma had wonderful times at the family farm when we were kids way back when and still shed tears and morn the loss of a truely wonderful person ! Yes, I still cary hatred for the person that did such a cowardly act but I do not seek revenge or vengence, no matter what race, creed etc., they may be. He will receive his just punishment before God !
March 29, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )