CHURCH GUNMAN KILLS 27
Suspect shot dead after chase
CHILDREN were among at least 27 people murdered by a gunman at a church yesterday.
The killer fled by car after the slaughter in Texas and was shot dead following a police chase.
A GUNMAN killed at least 27 people in a horrific shooting at a church in Texas yesterday.
The shooter struck at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Wilson County, where parishioners had gathered for a service.
A further 30 people are understood to have been injured and there were reports last night that some of the victims are children.
The gunman is said to have reloaded several times before being killed after being chased into Guadalupe County. It is unclear if he was shot by police or took his own life.
The San Antonio FBI said their agents had no indication of the gunman’s motive.
He is believed to have entered the church and opened fire at 11.30am.
Wilson County commissioner Albert Gamez said: “The details are kind of sketchy but what they’re telling me is 27 deceased. They’re talking about the shooter also being dead.
“My heart is broken. We never think where it can happen, and it does happen.
“It doesn’t matter where you’re at. In a small community, real quiet and everything, and look at this.”
Another officer, David Keen, added: “There were kids involved.”
One witness, Carrie Matula, said: “We heard semi-automatic gunfire. We’re only about 50 yards away from this church.
“This is a very small community, so everyone was very curious as to what was going on.”
Video from the scene showed the area taped off by police. A number of helicopters transported the wounded to hospital.
Joseph Silva, 49, who lives about five miles north-east of Sutherland Springs, said the police had instructed his family and neighbours to stay indoors.
He described Sutherland Springs as a “one-blinkinglight town” and added: “There is a gas station and a post office, that’s about all there really is.
“There are a number of individuals weeping and wanting to know what’s happened to their loved ones.
“Everybody is griefstricken. Everyone’s worried.”
Texas governor Greg Abbott said: “Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response.”
President Donald Trump, on a tour of Asia, tweeted: “May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI and law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.”