At least 26 people were killed Sunday when a gunman opened fire inside a church during Sunday service, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at a news conference. The gunman dressed in all black “with tactical type gear and he was wearing a ballistic vest” fired from outside the church before entering the First Baptist Church […]
At least 26 people were killed Sunday when a gunman opened fire inside a church during Sunday service, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at a news conference.
The gunman dressed in all black “with tactical type gear and he was wearing a ballistic vest” fired from outside the church before entering the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural town of about 700 residents located 35 miles East of San Antonio, according to officials.
A local resident was able to engage the gunman with a rifle. After a brief chase, the suspect was found dead, reported Anadolu.
“At this time we don’t know if it was a self-inflicted gunshot wound or if he was shot by a local resident who engaged in gunfire,” according to Texas Department of Public Safety Regional director Freeman Martin.
Officials have not been able to determine a motive nor have they named the suspect but he has been identified in media reports as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, from a nearby county.
The Pentagon confirmed Kelley was a member of the US military and served at an Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until he was discharged, although his discharge records were not provided, according to reports.
Martin said 23 victims were found dead inside the church, two were found outside and one died at a hospital.
Approximately 20 injured victims have been taken to local hospitals with wounds that range from minor to critical, officials said.
“We are dealing with the largest mass shooting in our state’s history.” Abbott said.
The victims range in age from 5 – 72 years old but it is unclear if that indicates all casualties.
The FBI and other law enforcement officials are at multiple crime scenes, including the church and the suspect’s home. Sheriff Joe Tackitt said the victims have not yet been identified.
