Update: November 5, 2017 at 8:00 PM EST.
At a news conference, Gregg Abbott, the Texas Governor states, “This incident occurred at a place of worship where congregants were innocently gunned down. It has been confirmed that 26 people have been killed including adults and children. There will be long suffering and mourning of those in pain. We ask God’s comfort and guidance in healing. I am very proud of the way that all have responded to this. The Emergency Medical Task Force was deployed from San Antonio. The Red Cross has set up a family assistant center. So many people who have responded have helped to pull all this together. I want to tank President Trump, who called from overseas, Senator Ted Cruz, Sheriff Joe Tackitt of Wilson County, The Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security, The FBI, and other law enforcement agencies.”
Then Sheriff Joe Tackitt of Wilson County stated, “To the media, please don’t blow this out there that this should not have happened because it does happen.We don’t know the names of the victims at this time. We are still working the crime scene.”
The last to speak was Freeman Martin of The Texas Department of Public Safety. Martin stated, “We have certain facts that we will release, but are not ready to release them at this time. The suspect was dressed in all black. The suspect entered the church and fired and then exited the church. A neighbor who saw what was going on grabbed his rifle and engaged that suspect. The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR Assault Rifle and fled from the church. The neighbor pursued the suspect where the suspect crashed his vehicle and was found dead at the scene. The suspect was shot but it is not known at this time if the suspect shot himself or if he died from the neighbor shooting him. There are multiple crime scenes. There are Texas Rangers at all hospitals interviewing victims. At the end of the investigation, we will be able to answer any reasonable question.”
Sutherland Springs, Texas – November 5th, 2017: A church shooting is being reported on several news outlets. A male gunman opened fire on congregants according to Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt. First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs were conducting their service when a male opened fire killing at least 25 and injuring many more. Sutherland Springs is about 30 miles Southeast of San Antonio. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has responded and has taken lead on the investigation. The shooting occurred about 11:30 AM this morning as reported by witnesses. One witness, Diana Segura, age 69, heard rapid bangs which she thought a truck had exploded on the highway. Segura stated she walked outside and saw multiple bodies on the ground outside the First Baptist Church. KSAT is reporting that the man walked into the church, opened fire and was later killed by police.
The gunman is identified as 26-year-old Devin P. Kelley. Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas stated, “He went there, he walked in, started shooting people and then took off to Guadalupe County, which is northeast of Sutherland Springs.”
Many towns people and family members were seen standing near the church, holding hands, weeping, and praying.
President Trump, who is in Japan, offered his help and condolences:
References: The Washington Post, CNN, FOX News, and KSAT.
Joseph T. Lee, The Lantern & Shield Times LLC, © November 5th, 2017.
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