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NC5 Investigates Antioch Church Shooter's Past

Posted at 9:47 PM, Sep 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-25 10:22:56-04

NewsChannel 5 looked into Emanuel Samson's past which included several photos and posts from his social media pages. The picture that emerged was one of an African immigrant, who spent most of his life her in America, still struggling to find his way.

Samson, 25, was accused of killing one and injuring several others in a church shooting in Antioch following a Sunday morning service.

He was born in the African country of Sudan, immigrating to the U.S. at a very early age. His Facebook page showed he attended Smyrna High School.

An Instagram photo showed him with his mother back in May, graduating from Motlow State Community College. He had recently attended Middle Tennessee State University.

Social media photos show a body-building fanatic with massive muscles to show for his dedication.

 

Seven years ago, he posted this insight into his mind, writing: "I came too long of a way, all the way from Africa; to come to America and FAIL."

He stated a desire to become a psychologist or a preacher, insisting he would pursue "what the Lord has called me to do."

Then, Sunday, just before the church shooting, there are three mysterious Facebook posts, including: "Become the creator instead of what's created. Whatever you say, goes."

One thing that you don't see on his social media accounts is anything that would suggest terrorism as a possible motive.

No jihadi leanings, no hatred for any race or any religion. Nothing that really gives us a motive for this tragic mass shooting.