At least 20 killed after gunman opens fire at church in Texas

Tragedy struck Sunday when a man walked into a small Texas church and opened fire as the congregation were involved in weekly service, leaving at least 20 dead and a number of others injured.

The mass shooting occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 30 miles from San Antonio, with witness saying that the gunman, who was yet to be officially identified, started shooting about 11.30am local time.

The gunman was later “taken down” by authorities, according to Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt who said that at least 20 people had died, with local media saying it amounted to around half the congregation. The exact number of dead was unclear, with the estimates ranging from 20 to 28. Police official Albert Gamez Jr told CBS News that the number of dead was 27.

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“The details are kind of sketchy but what I know right now, what they’re telling me, like 27 deceased and over 20, 25 injured,” Mr Gomez Jr said, other estimates put the number of injured at 10 to 15.

Responding, President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences from Japan where he is undertaking a five-country trip of Asia.

The church’s website says the church schedule was for a fellowship breakfast on Sunday mornings, followed by Sunday School. A morning worship service was scheduled for 11am.

Megan Posey, a spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center, which is in Floresville and about 10 miles from the church, said “multiple” victims were being treated for gunshot wounds. She declined to give a specific number but said it was less than a dozen.

One law enforcement official said the gunman fled in a vehicle after the attack and was killed, either by a self-inflicted wound or during a confrontation with police. Federal law enforcement swarmed the area, including Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) investigators and members of the FBI’s evidence collection team.

Friends and family gathered near the church waiting for words of what had happened to loved ones, tears flowed with many incredibly anxious.

 

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