This photo, which arrives courtesy of Max Massey of ABC affiliate KSAT, shows an FBI crisis response team’s arrival on the scene of the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church mass shooting outside of San Antonio. The massacre was carried out by a solitary gunman who killed at least 25 people and injured several more, thereby qualifying this as the deadliest mass shooting at a U.S. house of worship.
Among those killed were multiple minors, including a 2-year-old child. One of the church’s pastors, Frank Pomeroy, now confirms that his 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle, was one of those killed by the gunman. Pomeroy told ABC News that his youngest daughter “was one very beautiful, special child.” Frank, who is usually front and center during Sunday services, happened to be out of state (in Oklahoma) during this morning’s violence. The pastor also told KSAT that he was close friends with every one of the deceased victims.
The church’s parishioners formed a very close-knit community, and a local news reporter told CNN, “It’s your quintessential small country church.”
Local newspaper editor on First Baptist Church: “It’s your quintessential small country church” https://t.co/MTEIzntPvv
— Meg Wagner (@megwagner) November 5, 2017
Authorities have not released the name of the shooter, who is now dead, although Twitter is currently engaging in rampant speculation, including talk of one man whose relatives say may be among the victims, along with his family.
UPDATE – 6:40pm EST: Police have identified Devin Patrick Kelley as their suspect. You can read more about him here.
We will, of course, bring you further updates as this story develops.