At least 26 people have reportedly been shot dead by a man who opened fire after walking into a Baptist church in the small Texan town of Sutherland Springs.
Police have told local media that at least 26 people are dead, and 20 have been injured. Children are among the victims.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt earlier told the local paper there have been ‘multiple casualties and fatalities’ and the shooter has been “taken down” and was no longer a threat.
It’s not immediately known who carried out the attack on the First Baptist Church at 11.30am local time (4.30am AEDT).
First responders converged on the small town of about 400 people southeast of San Antonio and helicopters have been taking victims to hospitals.
The FBI and federal agents from the ATF have been called in.
According to ABC, the church pastor's 14-year-old daughter was among those killed in the attack.
Frank Pomeroy - who was out of town at the time of the shooting - described his daughter as "one very beautiful, special child".
A witness at the church also told a local CBS affiliate that a toddler is also among the victims.
Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. told CNN he was devastated by the news.
“My heart is broken," Gamez said. "We never think where it can happen, and it does happen. It doesn't matter where you're at. In a small community, real quiet and everything, and look at this, what can happen.”
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Texan Governor Greg Abbott has tweeted his shock.
"Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response."
President Donald Trump also tweeted about the attack and said he was "monitoring the situation closely" from Japan, where he is currently visiting.
Max Massey, a reporter for San Antonio, Texas news station KSAT News shared a video of family and friends praying as they waited for news of whether their loved ones had survived the attack.
The area outside the church has been taped off by police and FBI, with family and friends unable to enter.
A representative for the Connally Memorial Medical Center confirmed to TIME that multiple victims with gunshot wounds were being treated at the hospital, but she was unable to give further details on the exact number, their conditions or their injuries.
The current death toll makes the attack the fourth most fatal mass shooting in modern US history, and the deadliest mass killing at a house of worship.
The attack comes just one month after gunman Stephen Paddock killed 59 people in Las Vegas.
With AAP.
Top Comments
I'm numb now to all these shootings. It no longer affects me. I feel sad admitting that, but it's the truth. It is simply an ordinary day in America. Mum told me about this and I was just; 'yeah, whatever'. I said to her that America isn't going to change. Nothing will ever change over there. I've given up caring or hoping America will come to it's senses over guns. Completely given up. I'm now desensitised and couldn't care less.
Hearing there was another shooting in America is like hearing the weather forecast, to me.
I have seen so many comments on here about the gun laws needing to be changed, yes they do need to changed. People with a history mental issues and violent tendencies should not be allowed to own a weapon. However, no matter what the laws are changed to guns will still be accessible to those desperate enough to take illegal routes to get them. I have seen comments from people who don't seem to understand the open-carry concept in Texas, yes you can openly carry in Texas, but you still have to have a license and permit for the weapon, it must be registered! And you can't just walk into a store and buy as much ammo as you want without it being recorded. Many of the weapons used in shootings like this are obtained illegally so that they can't be traced should the shooter manage to get away. This guy got caught and stopped by other gun carriers, if it weren't for them more people would be dead. He is also mentally unstable and has a history of being violent to both ex-wives and his children, he was also discharged from the military for his violent outbursts. I really wish people would stop lumping all gun owners into the same bucket. And please stop blaming the victims, being the innocent Americans killed or injured in these senseless acts.
So are you trying to tell that Americans with any history of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, psychosis) are going to happily give up their second ammendment rights? Yeah right. Tighter gun safety laws are the only way forward.
As with any law, you don't have to be happy about it.
He obtained his guns legally.
He was chased by people in cars, crashed his and then killed himself. His own gun was responsible for his death not other people's.