More than 20 reported dead in Texas church attack, gunman killed

Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr said that at least 27 people have been killed in the shooting, according to reports by the CNN and the BBC. 

He added that at least 20 more have been wounded in the attack.

Witnesses reported seeing the man walk into the Baptist Church in the town 30 miles from San Antonio at 11:30am local time Sunday, according to KSAT-12.

The shooter was identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, CBS and the Daily Beast reported, citing sources within the investigation. Kelley was said to be a resident of New Braunfels, a city near San Antonio. Police have reportedly already raided his home. It appears from Kelley’s purported profile on LinkedIn that he served in the US Air Force until 2013 and briefly taught at a summer religious school.

Following the shooting, the attacker escaped from the church in a vehicle and was later killed, AP cited an official speaking on condition of anonymity as saying. It was not immediately clear if the police killed him or his injury was self-inflicted.

Sheriff Joe Tackitt confirmed to Wilson County News that there have been “multiple fatalities” and the shooter has been “taken down.” 

Pastor Frank Pomeroy’s daughter, Annabel, was killed in the shooting, her father confirmed to ABC News. Annabel, 14, “was one very beautiful, special child,” said the pastor, who was on his way from Oklahoma to Sutherland Springs when the tragedy unfolded.

An eyewitness told CBS News that there was a heavy police presence on the road to the church, adding that they had seen people being airlifted from the area.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted to Twitter shortly after the incident, saying: “Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS soon.”

President Donald Trump has confirmed he is aware of the situation and said he was monitoring it from Japan.