Sutherland Springs, Texas is a small town of about 400 residents southeast of San Antonio. Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church was holding its regularly scheduled 11AM Sunday morning service when the gunman opened fire. Sunday attendance is usually around 40-50 people.
Timeline
Approx 11:20AM the gunman was seen at a Valero near the church wearing a ballistic vest and all black tactical type gear. A Ruger AR assault type rifle has been recovered.Approx 11:30AM the gunman walked in to the church and opened fire.
The suspect left the church and was followed by an armed civilian. After a short pursuit the suspect crashed vehicle and was found deceased in his vehicle along with multiple weapons. There is no confirmation on how the gunman died.
1PM Wilson County police officials confirmed the shooter was dead and it was no longer an active threat.
Victims
Texas Gov Greg Abbott confirmed at the 5:45PM Press conference 26 deaths. The victims range in age from 5 years old to 72 years old.Two bodies were recovered outside of the church , 23 inside and one person that had been transported.Multiple Medical Helicopters transported victims to local hospitals. The injuries are reported as minor to severe.University Health System has reported they are treating four children and five adults.BAMC reportedly received 8 patients and additional patients to Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville.
First Victim Identified
Sutherland Springs FBC Pastor Frank Pomeroy and his wife were out of town at the time of the shooting, his 14 year-old daughter, Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, was attending services and is one of the deceased victims.
Shooter Identified
Shooter Identified as Devin Kelley of New Braunfels, TX - no motive or relationship to the church has been identified.
President Briefed
White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders says the President has had several briefings on the shooting
This story will continue to be updated
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