A gunman opened fire at a church in Texas on Sunday, and police say multiple people have been killed. According to KSAT, police said a man walked into a church in Sutherland Springs and began shooting at about 11:30am CT. A Wilson County (Texas) commissioner told the New York Times at least 20 people were dead. Another official told the newspaper “there were kids involved.”
Police said the alleged shooter is among the dead. CNN reported that police had to chase the gunman briefly into a neighboring county. It’s unclear if the gunman took his own life, or if he was killed by officers.
According to multiple reports, the FBI is investigating the shooting. A witness told CNN that she heard 20 gunshots.
President Donald Trump and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted their condolences.
May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS soon. https://t.co/KMCRmOPkiM
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 5, 2017
The internet also began to mourn.
https://twitter.com/MaxMasseyTV/status/927252802182754304
Sutherland Springs has a population of less than 1,000. Imagine the impact a mass shooting is going to have on that community.
— Peter J. Hasson (@peterjhasson) November 5, 2017
The worst kind of news to hear about. My heart aches for those who are suffering today as a result of this horrific event. https://t.co/ww9lO3gJsO
— Kassy Alia Ray (@kassy_alia) November 5, 2017
FBI just arrived on the scene. The scene is getting pushed back. pic.twitter.com/vyIyNPZHou
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
At least 6 helicopters called to transport victims pic.twitter.com/GTwwQfPx6L
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BbILqGhDnvo/
Sutherland Springs is about 35 miles east of San Antonio in south Texas.
Update 5:38pm CT: According to Abbott, 26 people have died, making this the largest mass shooting in Texas history. Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar confirmed to the New York Times that the dead include children and a pregnant woman. Two law enforcement sources told the paper the gunman has been identified as 26-year-old Devin P. Kelley.
This story is developing and will be updated as verified information becomes available.
