A tragedy has hit the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs in Texas, with reports that a shooting has rocked the small congregation. According to the Daily Mail , as many as 16 people were shot in the mass shooting attack on the small church, with reports of a 2-year-old child being amongst the victims. A gunman reportedly began shooting in the church at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 5.
Update: According to RT.com , up to 27 people have been killed.
Reports of a man who was dressed “in full gear” walking into the church and start shooting are now breaking. At this point, it is not clear how many people have been injured, nor how many people have died in the attack that happened as the Sunday morning service was occurring. As seen in the following video outside of the First Baptist Church, authorities in Sutherland Springs had the church blocked off with crime tape in the wake of the shooting.
Approximately 50 people are in attendance during an average Sunday service. Sheriff Joe Tackitt spoke with the press to confirm that “multiple casualties and fatalities” had occurred. While authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people killed, those who witnessed the attack claim that 20 or more shots were fired during the mass shooting.
https://www.facebook.com/MaxMasseyTV/videos/vb.842901322434296/1651462074911546/?type=2&theater
The shooter has not yet been identified, nor has his name or motive in the shooting been released. However, police have called him a threat that is no longer active, because they report that the shooter is dead. The shooter reloaded his weapon several times, according to neighbors who heard the attack.
In order to transport victims to the hospital, at least six helicopters were used by first responders.
On the Facebook page of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas , people are leaving comments and offering their condolences in the wake of the shooting. The church allows for donations to be made via their Facebook page. Having recently added 20 new photos to their Facebook page on November 1, the church displays a bucolic scene of autumn fun.
https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchsutherlandsprings/photos/pcb.1455338334555883/1455335811222802/?type=3&theater
Videos from the scene display what people were thinking and feeling as cops investigated the crime.
https://www.facebook.com/ktvu/videos/vb.20980557060/10155133354237061/?type=2&theater
[Featured Image by First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas/ Facebook ]
