According to police and church officials, an adult man shot and killed two female victims in a parking lot outside Ames' Cornerstone Church Thursday night, before killing himself.

Story County Sheriff Capt. Nicholas Lennie said the alleged shooter appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The female victims' ages were not immediately revealed.

"We are profoundly saddened," said Mark Vance of Cornerstone Church's Salt Company youth ministry in a statement.

"A horrific shooting involving two young members of our Cornerstone Church community occurred tonight. An adult guy is thought to have shot these two victims before killing himself."

Officials say the shooting occurred in the church's parking lot while others were inside. There were still individuals inside the chapel and in the parking lot several hours later.

At 6:51 p.m., Lennie claimed, many 911 calls came in during a religious presentation. The Salt Company has a regular Thursday evening event at the chapel.

According to Vance's statement, he is unable to provide any information about what happened because of the current investigation.

The events that occurred have left many more than saddened. "Our hearts grieve for everyone involved, and we are praying for everyone who has been impacted, especially the victims' families. Our Ministry's personnel is available to assist all people affected," the statement said.

On Thursday, law enforcement officials remained tight-lipped regarding the weapon used in the shooting. There was no ongoing threat to the public, Lennie said.

"As a cop, I wouldn't say I'm surprised," Lennie added. "We put in a lot of time and effort to prepare for this, but once it happens, it's obviously chaotic until you have everything under control."

According to Lennie, a news conference about the shooting will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday.

Lennie said he would also like to take a minute to just express their grief to those involved, the families, and the witnesses who were at the church. He said earlier Thursday evening to reporters that at this moment, their hearts are with them as well.

The shooting, according to Governor Kim Reynolds, was an "act of needless brutality."

The governor confirmed in a tweet that two innocent people were killed in the senseless act of violence at their place of worship. He added that many are heartbroken for the families who have lost loved ones.