Including a two-year-old child – after a gunman in full combat dress opens fire during the service
- At least 27 people were shot dead by unidentified gunman and at least 24 others are being treated for injuries
- Police said the gunman walked into the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs in Texas and opened fire
- One witness told authorities that among those who were shot in the attack was a two-year-old child
- First Baptist Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy said his ‘beautiful and special’ 14-year-old daughter is among dead
- Another witness said the man, who isn’t from the Sutherland Springs community, was dressed ‘in full gear’
- The University Health System said their trauma team is caring for nine patients ‘four children and five adults’
- Police confirmed that the gunman is dead, but it’s unclear if police took him down or if he took his own life
By Valerie Edwards For Dailymail.com
At least 27 people have been killed inside a Texas church – including a two-year-old child – after a gunman dressed in full combat gear opened fire during the morning service before cops shot him dead.
The shooting happened at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, where around 50 people usually attend service, according to local reports.
Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr told CNN that at least 27 people have been killed in the shooting, but the death toll is expected to climb.
‘My heart is broken,’ Gamez said. ‘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, what can happen.’
At least 24 others were injured in the horrific shooting. Witnesses said a man ‘in full gear’ walked inside the church and opened fire just before 11.30am.
First Baptist Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy told ABC that his 14-year-old daughter is among the dead. She ‘was one very beautiful, special child,’ the pastor said. Sherri Pomeroy, Frank Pomeroy’s wife, said her husband was out of town at the time of the reported shooting.
At least 27 people have been shot inside a Texas church after a gunman opened fire during the Sunday morning service at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs (pictured)
A woman wrote on Facebook that she saw the man flee the scene in his vehicle before crashing it not far from her daughter’s house. She said he then ran on foot and was pursued by police.
The shooter was killed after the brief foot chase into Guadalupe County, according Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Robert Murphy.
But it’s still unclear if the gunman shot himself or was taken down by authorities.
The suspect, who has not been identified, is dead and there is no longer an active shooter threat, according to police.
Police could not give an exact number of victims shot in the attack, but witnesses said they heard as many as 20 shots fired.
Dana Fletcher, who owns a store in Sutherland Springs, told CNN: ‘It’s just awful…there were emergency responders everywhere.’
Neighbors in the area said they may have heard the shooter reload multiple times. Another witness at the scene said a two-year-old was also shot in the attack.
The shooter was killed after the brief foot chase into Guadalupe County, according Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Robert Murphy. But it’s still unclear if the gunman shot himself or was taken down by authorities
President Donald Trump sent his condolences to the Sutherland Springs community as he continues to monitor the situation from Japan
First Lady Melania Trump also shared this tweet following the shooting. ‘Our hearts are with #Texas’
Ivanka Trump also tweeted after learning about the tragic shooting
Texas Sen Ted Cruz tweeted: ‘Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene’
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement following the shooting. ‘While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act,’ he wrote and tweeted
Chelsea Clinton also sent her condolences to the families affected by the tragic shooting
Some residents fear that the gunman is someone they know becuase their community is so small, but Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez said ‘apparently the shooter was not from the area, he was from outside of that area’.
Gonzalez told MSNBC that officials said they ‘won’t have final numbers until probably a few more hours’.
He said that based on what he knew, he did not believe the incident was related to terrorism, but ‘was some kind of other incident that has to do with the church or the community’.
Carrie Matula, who works at a gas station near the church, told MSNBC that she heard ‘semiautomatic gunfire’ and looked to see what was going on.
‘I never thought it would happen here,’ Matula said. ‘This is something that happens in a big city. I would never have thought this would have taken place here. It’s just too tight a community. It doesn’t make sense.’
President Donald Trump sent his condolences to the Sutherland Springs community. He also said he will continue to monitor the situation from Japan.
‘God bless the people of Sutherland Springs, TX. Our country’s hearts are breaking for the victims & their families. We love & are with you!’ Ivanka Trump tweeted after learning of the shooting.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott released a statement following the shooting.
‘While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I 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.’
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement: ‘The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church.’
‘Please join Angela and me as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting,’ Paxton said.
The shooting took place at the churchl, which is located about 30 miles from San Antonio. Sutherland Springs is a community of about 400 people
Texas Sen Ted Cruz tweeted: ‘Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.’
Photos show families tearfully praying outside their community building as they wait to see if their family and friends are safe.
There were at least six helicopters called in to transport victims to the hospital.
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. Some victims were taken by medical helicopter to the Brooke Army Medical Center.
The University Health System also said in a tweet that their ‘trauma team is caring for nine of the patients from the Sutherland Springs shooting, 4 children, 5 adults, + 1 more patient on the way’.
Special agents from ATF’s Houston Field Division, San Antonio Field Office are on the scene along with the FBI.
Special agents from ATF’s Houston Field Division, San Antonio Field Office are on the scene along with the FBI
