There are ‘multiple casualties’ after a gunman opened fire at people attending a church service in Texas, it’s been reported.
A lone shooter walked into the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs and opened fire, Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. told NBC News.
Mr Gamez said he’d spoken to the sheriff and other officials, who said there were ‘multiple fatalities’ and ‘multiple wounded’, during the shooting, but said it was ‘not immediately clear how many were dead or injured’.
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 – various 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
According to the Washington Post, 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’ 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
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
Texas governor Greg Abbott told media:
Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response.
He said there would be more details being released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shortly.
More follows…
