Shooting victim identified and prayed for at West Fargo church

WEST FARGO, ND (Valley News Live) – Members of Prairie Heights Community Church in West Fargo are mourning the death of 25-year-old Austin Strom, another member of the church. Strom was shot and killed in the church parking lot Saturday morning.

On Sunday morning, the Rev. Beth Nelson took time during the service to pray for Strom and his family. Rev. Nelson said many people at the church knew Strom, adding that on many Sunday mornings he stood at the front door greeting them. Rev. Nelson said many who entered the church on a Sunday morning received a high five or a handshake from Strom.

Police said the shooting began with an altercation between three people. Prairie Heights was closed at the time of the shooting, but the parking lot where the shooting occurred was cordoned off with police tape for most of Saturday morning.

“I woke up this morning with no idea what the day held for me – but as we learn more details about the incident in the parking lot of Prairie Heights Community Church, I am deeply shocked to report that the person who was shot has died,” Pastor Nelson said in a Facebook post.

Since Saturday's shooting, several people have shared their memories of Strom on social media. Support for the Stroms includes an online fundraiser on GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses. On the page, Strom's aunt writes, “His life was taken on the morning of August 17, 2024 in the parking lot of the church he attended. He was only 25 years old and had recently dedicated his life to God and was in the process of changing his life for the better.”

The suspect or suspects in Saturday's shooting have yet to be identified. Previous reports can be read here.

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