World

26 killed in shooting at Texas church: US media

By Web Desk

Published November 06, 2017

WASHINGTON: At least 26 worshippers were killed and 24 others injured in a shooting at a Baptist church in the US state of Texas on Sunday. The attacker was also gunned down. US media reported.

The shooting took place during Sunday morning services at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, southeast in Wilson County.

US police officials have confirmed that at least 27 people had died. Several others are reported to be injured, reports said. The motive was not immediately known, they added.

The gunman believed to be armed with an assault rifle and wore a ballistic vest, a law enforcement official said.

"We believe he´s a young white male, maybe in his early 20s. He was dressed in all black, tactical-type gear and was wearing a ballistic vest," said regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

It is learned that the gunman entered the church at around 11:30 local time and began shooting. A two-year-old was among the wounded.

Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, and some victims were evacuated by helicopter. Police formed a perimeter around the area, and tearful relatives and neighbours stood outside it, nervously awaiting news from inside the traditional, white-frame church.

Agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were heading to Sutherland Springs, a town of about 400, those agencies said.

US President Donald Trump, who is on a 13-day Asia trip, tweeted: "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." Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered his condolences.

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.