Slate "Gunman Opens Fire in Texas Baptist Church, Reportedly Kills More Than 20 " [View all]

[NRaleighLiberal]

http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/11/05/multiple_casualties_after_gunman_opens_fire_in_baptist_church_in_sutherland.html

by Daniel Politi

There are reports of multiple fatalities after a gunman opened fire inside a Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, which is located around 30 miles southeast of San Antonio, Texas. Witnesses report seeing a gunman walk into the First Baptist Church and start shooting at around 11:30 a.m. Officials say there were multiple casualties, many of them fatal but they haven’t released numbers yet. A County Commissioner in Texas says he was told more than 20 people were killed and more than 20 others wounded, but those numbers have yet to be confirmed.

A cashier at a nearby gas station said she heard around 20 shots fired during the church service.

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
The shooter was killed following a short pursuit by police but it still isn’t clear whether he was killed by officers or he shot himself.

President Donald Trump quickly reacted to the news, sending a tweet nothing that he is “monitoring the situation from Japan.”

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.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also took to Twitter shortly after the news broke: "Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act."

Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS soon. https://t.co/KMCRmOPkiM

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 5, 2017