At Least 26 People Killed in Texas Church Shooting

November 6, 2017

 A gunman opened fire inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Sunday, killing 26 people and wounding 20 others, authorities said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the attack the deadliest mass shooting in his state’s history. Officials said 23 people were found dead inside the church, two outside, one died after being rushed to a hospital.

The shooting suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley.

He exited his vehicle, crossed the street and began firing an AR-15 style weapon at the church, officials said. The suspect entered the church and continued to fire.

As he exited the church, a local resident grabbed his gun and pursued the suspect, who dropped his weapon and fled the scene.

The suspect was later found dead inside his vehicle. Officials are unsure if he was shot by a resident or suffered a self inflicted gunshot wound, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Officials have not released all the names of the 26 people killed, but said they ranged from 5 to 72 years old.

President Trump, who is on his first presidential trip to Asia, addressed the situation from Tokyo, calling it a “horrific shooting” and an “act of evil.”