Sutherland Springs; Nov 5:
In the largest mass shooting at the state of Texas, an armor clad gunman opened fire at The First Baptists Church at Sutherland Springs on Sunday at 11:30 am local time. The gunman was dressed in all black and began firing first outside the Church continuing the shooting spree inside the Church as well. The Church’s pastor has confirmed that his 14 year old daughter had been killed along with others. Another 5 year old child was in surgery at the time of report.

The shooter was killed after the massacre, while trying to flee from the scene. The victims range from age 5 to 72, all of those were gathered for Sunday Service. Governor Greg Abott confirmed the death toll and said at a news conference, “We are dealing with the largest mass shooting in our state history. The tragedy of course is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship where these people were innocently gunned down. This will be a long, suffering mourning for those in pain”

The attacker is identified as 26 year old Devin P. Kelley, a former US Airforce member. But the Police have yet not confirmed any details on his identity or the rifle used.

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Sutherland Springs is a small town 40 miles off San Antonio in Wilson County. During the Sunday Service at the Church, the suspect showed up wearing bullet proof vest and his tactical gear, with an AR-15 style rifle. The congregation at the Church was waiting for the sermon when the shooter opened fire. He arrived in a vehicle and got out, and began firing from outside the Church itself. Moving to the right side of the Church and then into the building, firing all the while, killing 23 on the spot.

When he left the Church, he was confronted by a resident who could grab his rifle and then he began firing on the suspect. The shooter ran in his vehicle and was chased by the resident. The shooter was then found dead inside his vehicle after a brief chase, crashing while trying to leave the scene heading north to Guadalupe County. It is yet not clear if the suspect died of self-inflicted injuries. Additional firearms were obtained from his vehicle.

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President Trump is currently at Japan on a tour and he condemned the shooting as an "act of evil" and called it "horrific." He 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”

The motive of the shooting is yet not clear and the tiny town with a popular of 600 is just shocked by the Sunday morning massacre at the Church. At the dusk many residents gathered for a candle-lit vigil in memory of those who were killed and praying for their families.

“I never in a million years could of believed Devin could be capable of this kind of thing," Dave Ivey, the shooter's uncle, told. "I am numb...My family will suffer because of his coward actions... I am so sorry for the victims in Texas."

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said, "The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church."

Former President Barack Obama has also tweeted his thoughts, “We grieve with all the families in Sutherland Springs harmed by this act of hatred, and we’ll stand with the survivors as they recover. May God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst.”

At least 8 people are currently being treated at University Hospital in San Antonio. The US Airforce department has not given details about the killer and the Police is still investigating the case.

More news to come in as the case proceeds.

By Minu Manisha