US CHURCH BLOODBATH
27 DEAD AND AT LEAST 30 INJURED IN TEXAS SHOOTING HORROR
A GUNMAN killed at least 27 people, including a two-year-old child, and seriously injured another 30 last night after opening fire inside a Texas church.
Dressed in full combat gear, the man walked into the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, near San Antonio, and began shooting during the Sunday morning service.
There was speculation last night that the tragedy – thought to be the fifth-worst mass shooting in US history – was the result of a family dispute, with the gunman firing on members of his own family who were among the congregation.
Sheriff Joe Tackitt confirmed there were “multiple casualties and fatalities” and that some of the injured had been taken by helicopter to nearby hospitals.
Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr said at least 27 people were killed, with the number of fatalities expected to rise. Up to 30 people were also injured.
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.”
Chase
Pastor Frank Buford, of the neighbouring River Oaks church near the scene of the shooting, said relatives of victims had started to congregate at a makeshift community centre.
He said: “We’re holding up as well as we can. We are a strong community, we are strong in our faith.”
Police and ambulance crews were called to the church following reports of gunfire at about 11.30am local time.
The gunman is believed to have walked into the church and fired on the congregation. He was fatally shot by police after a brief chase.
Around 50 people usually attend Sunday morning services at the church.
One witness, a cashier at a petrol station opposite the church, said she heard 20 shots fired in quick succession about 30 minutes after the church service began, describing it sounding like a semi-automatic weapon being fired.
Customers in the store then began calling emergency services. Other reports suggested the shooter may have reloaded multiple times.
One woman said she saw the gunman flee in his vehicle before crashing it not far from her daughter’s house. She said he ran off before he was shot dead by police. In a statement, Texas governor Greg Abbott said: “While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, we want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act. I want to thank law enforcement for their response and ask that all Texans pray for the Sutherland Springs community during this time of mourning and loss.” President Donald Trump, who is currently on a 12-day 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.”
Yesterday people waiting for news of friends and family outside the church linked hands and said prayers.