Three Killed in Neosho Church Shooting

Neosho city leaders say three people are dead after a man held 25-30 people hostage at the First Congregational Church of Neosho.

The Communications Manager with the city says when the call came in to Neosho 911 center of a male shooting at people, several agencies responded.

We're told it was a quick surrender.  After about five to ten minutes of negotiations, the man surrendered to authorities.

Police say he had two handguns and a machine gun on him. 

Now he's in the Newton County jail waiting on charges likely to be filed Monday morning.

No word on why he did this.  We're told he did know some people in the congregation.  Six to ten people were injured in the incident.  They were all taken to area hospitals.

Governor Matt Blunt has released this statement:

"This is a terrible tragedy which was made worse by the fact that it happened in a peaceful place of faith and worship.  I have directed state public safety officials to do whatever is needed to assist local law enforcement at the crime scene and in the investigation into the shooting."