At least 27 dead and more than two dozen injured in Texas church shooting
At least 27 dead and more than two dozen injured in Texas church shooting
[Good Morning America]
M.L. NESTEL
Good Morning AmericaNovember 5, 2017
At least 27 dead and more than two dozen injured in Texas church shooting
At least 27 people were killed and around 27 injured in a Texas church shooting Sunday morning, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
The alleged shooter is dead, and it appears there is no longer an active threat at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio, police told ABC News.
PHOTO: The First Baptist Church at 216 4th Street in Sutherland Springs, Texas is pictured. (Google Maps)
PHOTO: The First Baptist Church at 216 4th Street in Sutherland Springs, Texas is pictured. (Google Maps)
We all started running
A person who said she works at a gas station across the street from the church told ABC News she heard rapid gunfire at around 11:15 a.m., leading congregants from the church as well as customers at the station to run inside for cover.
“We heard several shots and we all started running inside the store,” she said.
“It lasted about 15 seconds. I yelled, ‘Get down! Get inside!’ and we all went into hiding,” said the woman, who said she is 49 but declined to give her name.
She said the gas station locked its doors. "We have not reopened,” she said.
She then that within minutes of the gunfire, emergency personnel had arrived at the scene.
“There were officers that were checking the wounded in here were asking them questions,” she said.
The FBI and ATF were at the scene by Sunday afternoon, and at least six people from the church were taken to Connally Memorial Center in nearby Floresville for treatment.
PHOTO: Sutherland Springs, Texas, was the scene of a church shooting, Nov. 5, 2017. (ABC News)
PHOTO: Sutherland Springs, Texas, was the scene of a church shooting, Nov. 5, 2017. (ABC News)
14-year-old girl was among the victims, father says
One victim of the shooting is a 14-year-old girl, according to her father, Frank Pomeroy, who is pastor at the church.
Pomeroy spoke by phone to ABC News' Mike DelMoro.
Annabelle “was one very beautiful special child,” her father said.
Pomeroy said he was in Oklahoma on Sunday morning, a rare weekend that he wasn't at the church. He was driving back when he spoke to ABC News.
All of those who died are close friends of his, Pomeroyhe said.
Gathered at the scene, waiting for news
Police formed a perimeter around the white clapboard church and flooded its grounds with emergency and police vehicles, according to KSAT.
Area of the church is now blocked off and taped off. Family and friends still waiting to hear if their loved ones are safe. pic.twitter.com/YsKz78i3Lg
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
A small group of people were seen clustered together outside the church, an unassuming building with a red door. They were holding hands as tears overtook an attempt to pray, a KSAT reporter said.
Families in tears wait to see if their family and friends are safe. Praying for the safety of all those involved. pic.twitter.com/yjzK7lZJ1S
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
Trump tweeted on the shooting from Japan where he is visiting on his Asia tour.
May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement, "The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church."
"Please join Angela and me as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting,” Paxton said.
ABC News' Joi-Marie McKenzie contributed to this report.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by aboutime
