26 Dead in Sutherland Springs Church Shooting

A gunman claimed the lives of at least 26 people attending church in Sutherland Springs, a small town about 40 miles east of San Antonio with a population of 650.

The gunman, who police say is now dead, opened fire at the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church around 11:30 Sunday morning. Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. estimates that at least 26 people were killed, which is roughly half of the average congregation at the 11 a.m. service. Witnesses say one of the victims is a 2-year-old child. According to CBS News, one of the deceased is the pastor's 14-year-old daughter.

The FBI, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Rangers have joined the Wilson County Sheriff's Office in investigating the case.

The shooting prompted several nearby churches to go on lockdown. It's unclear how many others were injured in the shooting, nor how many people were at the church at the time. At least nine of the injured people were taken to University Hospital in San Antonio. Four of them are children.



This is the 307th mass shooting in the United States in 2017. 

Elected officials have already responded to the shooting on social media.

We hold our neighbors in prayer. https://t.co/NOk7m3NlH6 pic.twitter.com/4mRH02gCkm

— Mayor Ron Nirenberg (@Ron_Nirenberg) November 5, 2017

Statement on shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX. pic.twitter.com/ffUbQgYdWD

— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) November 5, 2017

"While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act," said Gov. Greg Abbott in a Twitter statement.

In a Facebook post, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg mentioned the death of a 3-year-old in a Saturday evening drive-by shooting, saying "it's a sad day for Texas."

Truly heartbreaking news in #Sutherland Springs. Please say a prayer for First Baptist congregation, first responders & the community there

— JohnCornyn (@JohnCornyn) November 5, 2017

President Donald Trump, who is currently in Japan, tweeted: "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene."

See more responses from Texas politicians below:

Deeply saddened to learn of the murders in Sutherland Springs. My thoughts are with the families & survivors and the first responders.

— Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) November 5, 2017

Terrible news coming out of Sutherland Springs, TX. I’m monitoring developments and am praying for the shooting victims.

— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) November 5, 2017

Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.

— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 5, 2017

Tragic. Incomprehensible. Infuriating. I'm just so sorry. #SutherlandSprings

— Diego Bernal (@DiegoBernalTX) November 5, 2017

As tragic events unfold in Sutherland Springs, please join Angela and me in praying for those impacted and for first responders serving now.

— TX AG's Office (@TXAG) November 5, 2017

My full statement on #SutherlandSprings. pic.twitter.com/UdbynSriin

— Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) November 5, 2017