At least 27 people have died after a gunman opened fire at a church in Texas during a Sunday service at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in Wilson County.
A police commissioner has confirmed the news that at least 27 people have died while several others are reported to be injured at varying degrees.
The San Antonio FBI branch has been deployed and there is as yet no indication of the gunman’s motive.
Police official Albert Gamez Jr confirmed the number of fatalities to CBS News:
The details are kind of sketchy but what I know right now, what they’re telling me, like 27 deceased and over 20, 25 injured.
FBI just arrived on the scene. The scene is getting pushed back. pic.twitter.com/vyIyNPZHou
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
Only one shooter was reported but the FBI have confirmed they are looking into other possibilities.
According to local reports, the gunman entered the church at around 11.30am local time and that he had been killed in the aftermath.
The entire area has been taped off by law enforcement.
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.
Wilson County has a deadly crime scene with an unknown number of fatalities in Sutherland Springs
Posted by KENS 5 & Kens5.com on Sunday, 5 November 2017
Reports are saying the shooter was ‘down’ – or dead.
Several law enforcement sources also revealed ‘multiple’ people had been killed, with as many as 15 injured and sources said the FBI and ATF were on their way to the scene.
Television stations KSAT and KENS are reporting a ‘large police presence’ at the church, which is 30 miles (48 kilometers) southeast of San Antonio.
At Least 16 People, one being 2yr old, Shot During Church Service. 6 Helicopters Called in. 50 Attend Services. #SUTHERLAND Springs, #Texas pic.twitter.com/BExfSyZkY0
— Kevin W. (@kwilli1046) November 5, 2017
Families in tears wait to see if their family and friends are safe. Praying for the safety of all those involved. pic.twitter.com/yjzK7lZJ1S
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
KSAT reported ‘two Airlife helicopters’ were at the scene and broadcast video of several fire and police vehicles at the church.
Sherri Pomeroy, the wife of church pastor Frank Pomeroy, told NBC News her husband was ‘out of town at the time of the reported shooting’ and but said her daughter was inside the church.
A shooting has just taken place at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. It is so tiring & upsetting to hear about these endless shootings
— Luke Waltham (@lukewaltham) November 5, 2017
Shooting at a church in Texas ???
— Destinee ✨ (@Destineeeexoxo) November 5, 2017
How many more fatalities and mass shootings do we need until we finally enforce laws against guns?? #texas
— George Kutukjian ? (@liarscandyy) November 5, 2017
My heart breaks to hear of another church shooting! You should feel safe in your place worship!????#Texas #praying
— Shey Porter (@SheyPorter) November 5, 2017
Our thoughts are with all those affected.
Taking the idea of ‘being woke’ to a whole new level over a decade-long career in sport, court and online news, George has worked for titles and agencies including ESPN FC, Eurosport, LADbible and Court News UK. He may not have a degree but does have an unhealthy obsession with Lord of the Rings.