Updated on 12/25/2022 at 5:44 p.m.
Police have confirmed that two people are dead after a shooting at the Jehovah's Witnesses Kingdom Hall in Thornton on Christmas morning. Multiple agencies -- including the Adams County Sheriff Department’s Hazardous Materials Unit -- responded to the scene early Sunday.
Thornton Police responded around 9 o'clock Christmas morning to a structure fire at Kingdom Hall. There, two individuals -- who were married and former members of the congregation -- were found dead after a woman was shot and killed by her husband. He then shot and killed himself.
Authorities found three "incendiary devices" at the scene. The Adams County Hazardous Materials Unit "rendered safe and collected" the materials.
No church service was taking place at the time of the shooting. There were no other injuries, and police say there are no safety concerns.
In a statement, the Sherrelwood Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses said it was "shocked and deeply saddened by the unprovoked attack and loss of life" at their hall, adding they are cooperating with authorities investigating the shooting. "Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those who have been traumatized by the heinous actions that took the life of an innocent victim and threatened the lives of many others."
Police had begun calling the incident a homicide early in the day -- and not an active shooter event. They made clear there was no known active threat to the public.
