At least 25 people are feared dead and up to 20 injured including children in a mass shooting incident at a small community First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs just outside San Antonio in Texas. The lone gunman identified as 26-year old Devin Patrick Kelley, walked into the small church during Sunday morning worship, opened fire and started shooting.
He was found dead 5 miles away from the scene by local County Deputies where he was cornered by locals after a short pursuit in the neighbour after he tried to escape. It is not clear whether he killed himself when cornered or if he was shot and killed by local Law Enforcement agents.
Local officials and First Responders at the scene of the mass shooting, First Baptist Church, Texas, on Sunday 5 November 2017. Credit: AP
Even more heartbreaking is news that the First Baptist Pastor’s 14-year old daughter, Annabelle Renee Pomeroy is among the victims shot dead inside the sacred place of worship. Her father, Pastor Frank Pomeroy confirmed by phone saying on this rare weekend, he was in Oklahoma and not in Church.
“She was one very beautiful, special child,” he said of his now deceased 14-yearld daughter.
The ages of the deceased who were victims of the bloodbath ranges from 5 to 72 year olds,a total of 26 who died on the scene, among them was a pregnant mother of three who was expecting her fourth child. Also among the seriously injured is a 2-year old who is reported to be in hospital.
A community in shock trying to make sense of what happened at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Credit: AP
According to Live News reports citing local County officials on the scene, the number of fatalities including the injured could as well account for almost the entire congregation in attendance. Local residents say about 50 people usually attend Sunday morning services in the small Church.
The FBI and local Police are active on the scene of the tragic incident that has left the small community of about 400 residents in shock. The motive of the shooter is still unknown and is yet to be determined.
At least 25 were killed and about 27 injured in a deadly mass shooting at the First Baptist Church during worship in, Sutherland, Texas, 5 November, 2017. Credit: AP
One local resident speaking to reporters said people there don’t even lock their doors. Another said they heard about 20 gun shots fired in quick succession at about 11:30 am local time while the Sunday morning service was underway.
President Trump who is on a 5-Nation foreign trip to Asia shared his heartfelt condolences on the very sad, tragic incident on Twitter saying, “May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & Law Enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.”
President Trump tweeted his condolences of the First Baptist Church mass shooting from Japan. Credit: Twitter
Texas Governor Greg Abbot also tweeted, “Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their responses. More details from DPS (department of public safety) soon.”
When tragedy strikes at an ancient, very sacred place of worship like a Church when people are praying or within its sacred grounds, it becomes an issue of concern because whatever it is, it is evil and is of hatred. What has happened in this small community has everyone on edge particularly communities of faith because of the unknown.
*This article is based in part on Live News reports as it happens.
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