A church pastor is dead after a shooting at the Starrville Methodist Church in Winona, Texas about one-hundred miles east of Dallas. Services were not underway at the church when it happened. According to the Smith County Sheriff's Department, the suspect had reportedly taken shelter inside the church overnight before confronting the pastor this morning. The pastor who reportedly had a gun and tried to get the suspect to leave, but the suspect grabbed the gun and shot the pastor. He then fled in the pastor's car and led officers on a chase before being caught. Two other people were also injured in the incident.
"Our hearts are with the victims and the families of those killed or injured in this terrible tragedy," said Abbott. "I am grateful for the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect, and I ask Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for those affected by this horrific shooting. The State of Texas is working closely with first responders and local officials to ensure that justice is served and that the Starrville community has the resources it needs during this time."