A gunman shot and killed 26 people during a Sunday service at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The unidentified man walked inside the church and opened fire just before 11:30 a.m. local time, witnesses said, according to CBS affiliate KENS 5.
Police have not officially confirmed the number of casualties, but Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reports that at least 26 people have been killed and 20 injured.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said children were among the “multiple casualties and fatalities,” reports KENS 5. Tackitt also confirmed the shooter is dead after being “taken down” by police.
FBI agents and Texas Rangers arrived at the scene to assist with the investigation, according to Max Massey of San Antonio’s KSAT News.
FBI just arrived on the scene. The scene is getting pushed back. pic.twitter.com/vyIyNPZHou
— Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
Several medical helicopters responded to the scene to transport victims to nearby hospitals. Eight of the wounded were transported to Brooke Army Medical Center and at least 10 other victims were taken to Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville, Texas, reports the San Antonio Express-News.
President Donald Trump said Sunday afternoon that he had been briefed on the incident and was monitoring the situation from Japan.
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
Sutherland Springs is located about 35 miles east of San Antonio. The First Baptist Church holds Sunday service at 11 a.m., according to its website.
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