Members of the community wait tearfully outside their community building for confirmation of fate of loved ones who attended the service 

Authorities in San Antonio, Texas said least 27 people have been killed inside after a gunman shot multiple rounds into a Texas church, on Sunday. The victims include a two-year-old child  after the gunman dressed in full combat gear opened fire during the morning service.
The shooting happened at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, where around 50 people usually attend service, according to local reports. Initially shooting from outside, the gunman then stepped insie the church, shooting at all who were standing, before fleeing.

Devin Kelley [photo], is said to be a familiar face in the community

The shooter, identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, fled and led police on a car chase  which  turned into a foot race after he crashed his car. The chase ended a short while later after officers shot him dead.
Devin Kelley is said to be a familiar face in the community. The 26-year-old was a resident of New Braunfels, a suburb of San Antonio, according to public records.
Kelley was married and his mother-in-law listed a P.O. box in Sutherland Springs as a mailing address.
San Antonio police reportedly raided Kelley’s home on Sunday evening. A LinkedIn account appearing to belong to Kelley describes him as serving in the U.S. Air Force from his 2009 high-school graduation until 2013, after which he briefly taught at a summer Bible school.

 “She’s a bad bitch.” – Devin Kelley

A week before he committed the worst massacre at a place of worship in American history, Kelley posted a photo of an assault rifle to Facebook with the caption: “She’s a bad bitch.”
Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. said at least 27 people have been killed in the shooting, but the death toll is expected to climb.
At least 24 others were injured in the horrific shooting. Witnesses said the shooter ‘in full gear’ walked inside the church and opened fire just before 11.30am.
First Baptist Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy confirmed his 14-year-old daughter is among the dead.  She ‘was one very beautiful, special child,’ the pastor said.

 The shooting occurred during the 11.30 am service on Sunday, after a man in full combat gear walked into the church and opened fire

 

Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr said at least 27 people have been killed in the shooting, but the death toll is expected to climb. Law enforcement officials stand next to a covered body at the scene of the fatal shooting. An online user posted on Facebook that she saw the suspect flee the scene in his vehicle before crashing it not far from her daughter’s house. She said he then ran on foot and was pursued by police.

The shooter was killed after the brief foot chase into Guadalupe County, according Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office.

Police could not give an exact number of victims shot in the attack, but witnesses said they heard as many as 20 shots fired.
Neighbors in the area said they may have heard the shooter reload multiple times. Another witness at the scene said a two-year-old was also shot in the attack.
The fleeing Kelley was killed after the brief foot chase into Guadalupe County, according Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Robert Murphy.
First responders were seen working to remove bodies from inside the church.

 

Texas Sen Ted Cruz tweeted his condolences to the families and victims in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Sutherland Springs is a rural community in Wilson County, Texas, that’s made up of about 400 people. It’s located about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio.

Some residents fear that the gunman is someone they know because their community is so small.
Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez told MSNBC that officials that ‘apparently the shooter was not from the area, he was from outside of that area’.
Gonzalez said that based on what he knew, he did not believe the incident was related to terrorism, but ‘was some kind of other incident that has to do with the church or the community’.
President Donald Trump who just begun a five nation swing of Asia sent his condolences to the Sutherland Springs community. He also said he will continue to monitor the situation from Japan.
‘God bless the people of Sutherland Springs, TX. Our country’s hearts are breaking for the victims & their families. We love & are with you!’

‘While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act.
‘I want to thank law enforcement for their response and ask that all Texans pray for the Sutherland Springs community during this time of mourning and loss.’
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.
Sen Ted Cruz [R-TX], tweeted: ‘Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.’