2 women dead after shooting outside Ames, IA church

(ABC 6 News) – Authorities say a total of three people are dead, two female victims and one male suspect, after a shooting outside Cornerstone Church in Ames, Iowa Thursday.

Hubbard Broadcasting affiliate, Local 5 News, reports multiple calls came in to 911 just after 6:51 p.m. stating two people had been shot in the Cornerstone Church parking lot.

Authorities confirmed two victims are dead, and that the suspected male shooter is also dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

An event was reportedly taking place at the church at the time of the shooting.

Investigators have not released the identity of the two victims or the suspected shooter at this time.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds tweeting out this response Thursday night:

Tonight’s act of senseless violence took the lives of two innocent victims at their place of worship. Kevin and I grieve for the families who have suffered an unfathomable loss.

And while the investigation continues and we learn more, we ask that Iowans pray for the victims and their families, the members of Cornerstone Church, and the entire Ames community.