At least 26 killed in Texas church shooting
At least 26 people have been killed and 24 wounded after a gunman opened fire at a Baptist church in south Texas.
A man is reported to have begun shooting at around 11am on Sunday morning (local time) at Sutherland Springs, 48 kilometres southeast of San Antonio, leaving multiple victims, KSAT and KENS reported.
A gunman has opened fire at a church in the US. Source: AAP
Reports suggest up to 26 people have been killed at a church shooting in South Texas. Source: Sunrise
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott confirmed that at least 26 people were killed in the shooting as he addressed media at a press conference after the attack.
"We are dealing with the largest mass shooting in our state's history," he said.
Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott confirmed at least 26 people had died during the shooting. Source: ABC News
Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr had initially told CNN it was believed up to 27 people could have been killed, with 24 injured, citing first responders at the scene.
Law enforcement officials have identified the gunman in the Texas shooting as Devin Patrick Kelley , 26, of nearby Comal County, according to NBC News.
Police have confirmed he was killed following a short pursuit and said there were "multiple victims".
NBC News: Law enforcement officials identify the gunman in the Texas shooting as Devin Patrick Kelley , age 26, of neighboring Comal Co., TX
— Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) November 5, 2017
It is unclear whether the gunman was killed by officers or if his wounds were self-inflicted, Commissioner Gamez said.
"My heart is broken, we never think where it can happen, and it does happen," he said.
"It doesn't matter where you're at. In a small community, real quiet and everything, and look at this, what can happen."
Emergency services arrived quickly to the scene while victims were rushed to hospital. Source: Sunrise
Two ambulance helicopters arrived at the scene while a sheriff's department dispatcher said everyone was at the scene and unavailable to comment.
The San Antonio FBI branch said its agents had been deployed while there was no indication of the gunman's motive.
Area of the church is now blocked off and taped off. Family and friends still waiting to hear if their loved ones are safe. pic.twitter.com/YsKz78i3Lg
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
People are gathering at the Community Building learning what they can about their family and friends. Heartbreaking news and tears. pic.twitter.com/Rj55JKtTmG
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
Several fire and police vehicles arrived at the church while a helicopter was seen taking victims to hospitals.
Law enforcement officials stand within a cordoned off area at the church. Source: AAP
Officers man a barricade near the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs after the fatal shooting. Source: AAP
Donald Trump has tweeted offering his commiserations from Japan and says he is watching the situation.
“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,” he wrote.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz also shared his condolonces online and thanked the first responders for their efforts.
"Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene," his tweet read.
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
Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 5, 2017
Two women embrace following the shooting. Source: AAP
A witness, a cashier at a petrol station across the street from the church, said she heard around 20 shots being fired in quick succession shortly after a church service had commenced around 11.30am, ABC reported.
“We heard several shots and we all started running inside the store,” the 49-year-old said.
“It lasted about 15 seconds. I yelled, ‘Get down! Get inside!’ and we all went into hiding."
One resident said the gunshots sounded like "somebody was banging a piece of wood".
One of the victims is believed to be the 14-year-old daughter of the church's pastor. Source: AAP
Paramedics attend to victims at the rear of the church. Source: AAP
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement: "The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church."
Sherri Pomeroy, the wife of church pastor Frank Pomeroy, said her husband wasn't present at the time of the shooting, but that her daughter, Annabelle, was inside the church, according to NBC.
It is believed the 14-year-old girl is one of the victims in the shooting as her father called her "one very beautiful special child".
About 860 people live in the Sutherland Springs area in 2010, according to the U.S. Census.
More to follow.
