At Least 26 People Killed in Texas Church Shooting [UPDATING]

By David Boddiger  |  November 6, 2017 | 3:57am
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Update, 10:45 PM: Devin Patrick Kelley, who was previously identified as the shooter, received a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force for assaulting his wife and their child, the Associated Press confirmed. Kelley was court-martialed and received 12 months confinement. He reportedly used an AR-15 semiautomatic weapon in Sunday’s attack.

Officials also said that 20 people were being treated for injuries following the Sutherland Springs, TX, church shooting. According to the Texas Department of Public Service, Kelley was pursued by an armed local citizen after he exited the church.

Update, 6:35 PM: Approximately 26 people have died in Sutherland Springs, TX, after a gunman opened fire inside the First Baptist Church’s Sunday service, according to Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tacket. Authorities identified the shooter as 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley.

CBS News reported that Kelley served in the Air Force from 2010 to 2014, when he was discharged following a court martial hearing in May 2014. Police confirmed that Kelley was among the deceased. It remains unclear whether Kelley was killed by police or took his own life. Less than a week ago, The Daily Beast reported, Kelley posted a picture of a semiautomatic rifle to Facebook with the caption: “She’s a bad bitch.”

Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas told the New York Times that a pregnant woman and a child were among the dead, however his account has not been confirmed by police. Sherri Pomeroy, the wife of pastor Frank Pomeroy, told NBC News in a statement that their 14-year-old daughter had died in the shooting.

Original post continues below:

Rapid gunfire interrupted a quiet Sunday morning at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, TX, a tight–knit community east of San Antonio where residents often leave their doors unlocked.

Witnesses say a gunman entered the church at about 11:30 a.m. local time and began firing. Several children reportedly were among the injured, although that has not been officially confirmed.

While an official death toll has not yet been issued, CNN is reporting that 27 people have been killed. Congressman Vicente Gonzalez told MSNBC those numbers were about 24 killed and 20 wounded.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said the alleged shooter is among the dead, the Associated Press reported. Gonzalez added that he believes the shooter is not from the community.

Several of the wounded were taken to local hospitals.

In a tweet from Japan, President Donald Trump said the FBI is on the scene, and he is monitoring the situation.

Gov. Greg Abbott also tweeted about the shooting.

This story is developing.

 
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