Sutherland Springs: Texas church shooting leaves 26 dead

[marcus300]

Another shooting, very sad and innocent life's took


At least 26 people have been killed and 20 others wounded after a gunman opened fire at a Texas church during Sunday service.

The attack happened at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a small town in Wilson County. The victims' ages ranged from five to 72.

The suspected gunman was later found dead in his vehicle some miles away.

Police identified him only as a "young, white male", but US media named him as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26.

Kelley is reported to have been discharged from the US Air Force in 2014 following a court-martial for assaulting his wife and child.

The motive for the killings is not yet clear.

Texas Department of Public Safety regional director Freeman Martin said the attacker, dressed all in black and wearing a bulletproof vest, opened fire with an assault-style rifle outside the church at around 11:30 local time (17:30 GMT) and then went inside.

As the gunman left the church, a local citizen grabbed his own rifle and began shooting at the suspect, who then dropped his weapon and fled in a vehicle.

The citizen pursued the suspect, who eventually drove off the road and crashed his car at the Guadalupe County line.

Police found the man dead in his car, but it is unclear if he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or from injuries received when fired on by the local citizen. The car contained several weapons.

Mr Martin added: "We have multiple crime scenes. We have the church, outside the church. We have where the suspect's vehicle was located.

"We have been following up on the suspect and where he's from. We have Texas Rangers at all the hospitals locating those and interviewing those who were injured."

One man has told how he chased the gunman after seeing "two men exchanging gunfire" outside the church. Speaking to local TV station Ksat.com, Johnnie Langendorff said a "gentleman came and said we need to pursue him. And that's what I did, I just acted".

Mr Langendorff said the pair were driving at speeds of up to 95mph (153km/h) until the gunman lost control of his car and crashed.

Governor Greg Abbott, confirming the death toll, said it was the worst mass shooting in the history of Texas.

"This will be a long, suffering mourning for those in pain," he said at a news conference on Sunday.

The First Baptist Church's pastor, Frank Pomeroy, told ABC News that his 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle, was among those killed.

Mr Pomeroy, who was in Oklahoma at the time of the attack, described her as "one very beautiful, special child" in a phone call to the television outlet.

At least 10 victims, including four children, were being treated at the University Health System in nearby San Antonio, the hospital said in a tweet.

Sheriff Joe Tackitt said authorities could not confirm the names of any victims yet as they continued to work through the crime scene.

Officials said 23 people were found dead inside the church while two people were fatally shot outside. Another died in hospital, authorities said.

One witness, Carrie Matula, told NBC News: "We heard semi-automatic gunfire… we're only about 50 yards away from this church.

"This is a very small community, so everyone was very curious as to what was going on."

Sutherland Springs, which has a population of about 400, lies about 30 miles (50km) south-east of the city of San Antonio

President Donald Trump, on a tour of Asia, said the gunman was "a very deranged individual" and denied that guns were to blame for the shooting.

"We have a lot of mental health problems in our country, but this isn't a guns situation," he said.

The shooting comes just a month after a gunman in Las Vegas opened fire on an outdoor music festival, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds in the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history. Sutherland Springs: Texas church shooting leaves 26 dead - BBC News

[MuscleScience]

This is a perfect example why more responsible gun owners should carry at all times. So many mentally ill people out there being polluted with bad ideology on top of unscientifically proven phycological Drugs. I honestly think some of these people can’t help it.

Also, everyone must watch this Podcast with Dr. Kelly Brogan about mental illness.

The Incredible Details of the 'Sniper Shot' Taken by a Plumber That Took Down the Texas Gunman. | Tribunist

[RaginCajun]

i said it a lot of times on here, mental illness is the biggest pressing issue in our country

sad that people have to lose their lives because of a nut job

[marcus300]

Texas shooting: US Air Force 'failed' to flag gunman's criminal history
The US Air Force has said it is investigating its apparent failure to enter information about Texas gunman Devin Patrick Kelley's criminal history into the national database.

Ex-airman Kelley was court-martialled for domestic violence in 2012, and was barred from owning or buying guns.

But last year he was able to purchase a rifle he used in Sunday's attack on a small church outside San Antonio.

He killed 26 people and fled the scene. He was later found dead in his car.

Police said he died from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being chased by armed bystanders.

Kelley was also shot in his leg and torso by a citizen, the regional director for the Texas Department of Public Safety, Freeman Martin, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

In a statement, the Air Force said: "Initial information indicates that [Devin] Kelley's domestic violence offense was not entered into the National Criminal Information Center database by the Holloman Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations."

How the Texas church mass shooting unfolded

It said it was now - together with the Department of Defense - investigating the handling of Kelley's criminal records.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott earlier said Kelley, 26, should not legally have been allowed to own a firearm, after having been denied a gun owner's permit by the state.

Kelley bought the rifle from the Academy Sports + Outdoors shop in San Antonio. The store issued a statement sending "deep condolences" to the victims' families.

Mother-in-law argument

Kelley was armed with the semi-automatic rifle and two pistols when he attacked the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs during Sunday services.

He had argued with his mother-in-law before the rampage, officials said.

Kelley called his father after he was shot by an armed bystander and said he did not think he would survive.

Our kids play together,' says a resident whose neighbours are feared dead

"This was not racially motivated, it wasn't over religious beliefs," said Mr Martin.

"There was a domestic situation going on with the family and in-laws," he said, adding that Kelley had sent threatening texts to his mother-in-law.

"We know that he expressed anger towards his mother-in-law, who attends this church," Mr Martin added.

Crosses in Sutherland Springs
Image caption
Twenty-six crosses were put in a field in Sutherland Spring - one cross for each of the victims

On Monday evening, a vigil was held in Sutherland Springs.

In one corner of the field, music played, people prayed, and hundreds of people held their hands in the air, the BBC's Owen Amos reports. In another, a floodlight illuminated 26 crosses - one for each person shot dead.


Johnnie Langendorff (2nd right) during a vigil in Sutherland Springs
Image caption
Johnnie Langendorff (second right) and another man chased the shooter out of town

Standing at the back, a feather in his cowboy hat, was Johnnie Langendorff - one of two men who chased the shooter out of town.

People queued to shake Mr Langendorff's hand. At one point, a couple embraced him, and they stood in prayer for two or three minutes, our correspondent says.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said between 12 and 14 children were among those killed in the attack in Sutherland Springs, a small town 30 miles (50km) south-east of the city of San Antonio.

The youngest of those who died was only a year old.

As many as eight members of the Holcombe family were killed in the shooting, the Washington Post reported.

The BBC spoke to the Holcombes' neighbour Pauline Garza, who said the family did not come back from church.
◾Sutherland Springs: The victims
◾America's gun culture in 10 charts

The First Baptist Church's pastor, Frank Pomeroy, told US media his 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle, was among those killed.

Twenty people were also wounded.

Kelley was court-martialled in 2012 after he was accused of assault against his wife and step-son. He was sentenced to 12 months' confinement.

He received a "bad conduct" discharge two years later, according to Ann Stefanek, a US Air Force spokeswoman.

Gov Abbott said: "It's clear this is a person who had violent tendencies, who had some challenges, and someone who was a powder keg, seeming waiting to go off."
Kelley worked till last July as a security guard for an amusement park run by the Schlitterbahn company in New Braunfels near Sutherland Springs.

His employment was "terminated" after just over five weeks, the company said.

He had a licence to work as an unarmed security guard, a job that police described as "similar to a security guard at a concert-type situation".

"There were no disqualifiers entered into the national crime information database to preclude him from receiving a private security licence," police said.

US mass shootings are getting worse
The shooting comes just a month after a gunman in Las Vegas opened fire on an outdoor music festival, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds in the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-41895695

[RaginCajun]

yup marcus, some dumbass did not do their job.

i still believe he could not buy a gun legally, he would have tried to obtain one via black market/on the street.

he was the scum of the earth!

[songdog]

Once again LAWS ON THE BOOKS should have prevented this no need for new worthless laws.I am surprised no one is trying to banned the type of weapon he used that is always a good one.

[EDCG19]

Trump had a point as many others have been saying for years.

-Mental health issue as always
-Majority of shooters are involved in some type of therapy and have a history of meds...

[MuscleScience]

Trump had a point as many others have been saying for years.

-Mental health issue as always
-Majority of shooters are involved in some type of therapy and have a history of meds...

Not a majority, without exception these shooters are on phyc Drugs.

[calgarian]

People are not safe in the place of worship. Its sad just sad.

[Cuz]

Can't even go to church....united states idk, might move to Canada
Lot of little children were killed, such evil

[kelkel]

Saw on the news today that this jerk off was also placed into a mental health facility in the past and escaped from it. WTF. This country seriously needs to revamp how they flag people with issues (mental or criminal) from purchasing weapons. Very happy a good guy with a gun showed up and was a good shot as well.

[Obs]

Absolutely sick.
I am thankful someone was there to stop this scum before he found the next church.

Also thankful I can read about this here without people saying ignorant things like other places on the web and tv.
Fine bunch here.

[MuscleScience]

Saw on the news today that this jerk off was also placed into a mental health facility in the past and escaped from it. WTF. This country seriously needs to revamp how they flag people with issues (mental or criminal) from purchasing weapons. Very happy a good guy with a gun showed up and was a good shot as well.

Yep, just like expected. Also saw that he beat his kid so bad that he fractured the kids skull.

[Couchlock]

Trump had a point as many others have been saying for years.

-Mental health issue as always
-Majority of shooters are involved in some type of therapy and have a history of meds...

Trump has a point!?!? Lol. If he wears a hat no one will see it.

Then tell me trump, why was the mental health check Obama put into the background checks requirement for buying a gun, the first thing you did away with.

Also "I really really like Japan, I just wish they'd make some cars here....."

[Obs]

Trump has a point!?!? Lol. If he wears a hat no one will see it.

Then tell me trump, why was the mental health check Obama put into the background checks requirement for buying a gun, the first thing you did away with.

Also "I really really like Japan, I just wish they'd make some cars here....."

The NIC checks have not changed a lick since Nixon. You are misinformed.

Whoops aside from a possible three day waiting period.

Also, please folks understand that a "mental condition" could strip nearly everyone of their firearm rights in this country.
Do you take an anti depressant,
Do you take pain medications?
Do you go to psycological therapy?

Think about it.
For every law that is written it will be twisted 50 different ways.

I feel sorrow for the victims. This does not need to become a political discussion of far right vs far left.

[Couchlock]

http://www.factcheck.org/2017/10/tru...-control-rule/



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[Obs]

Trump Nixed Gun-Control Rule - FactCheck.org



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Left wing sight same as snopes.

[Couchlock]

Left wing sight same as snopes.

It still doesn't mean he signed bill not requiring social security admin.to report mental health issues.

How we can still stand behind this man is beyond any reasonable logic

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[Obs]

It still doesn't mean he signed bill not requiring social security admin.to report mental health issues.

How we can still stand behind this man is beyond any reasonable logic

Sent from my LGLS775 using Tapatalk

No shit? Tell me... Exactly what constitutional obligation does the ss administration have to release any facts of any kind to any other organization????

Thats what "left" doesnt get.
They seem to think personal information should be available to any organization from any organization.

Why should it come from the ss administration?

Why shouldnt it come directly from doctors???

Because it is wrong and totally violates the constitution of the united states!!!!

By the way... Thats the same constitution that put the firearms in your home.

[MuscleScience]

It still doesn't mean he signed bill not requiring social security admin.to report mental health issues.

How we can still stand behind this man is beyond any reasonable logic

Sent from my LGLS775 using Tapatalk

Because he hasn’t done anything that the people who supported him didn’t vote him in to do maybe?

The left campaigned on absolute nuttery, insanely stupid social justice policy that vilanized large segments of the population then they wonder why they lost?

Then they blame this mass shooting on the NRA? It was an NRA instructor that stopped the shooter!!!

Ok ok, so let’s take guns away. Do the idiots on the left really want to give up their guns to a guy they’ve been calling Hitler the last year?

Ok more government regulations, so a airforce bureaucratic forgot to report his dishonorable discharge to the FBI (who does universal background checks) and the guy gets a gun. All while being escaped from a mental hospital?!!

So as The lefts talking Mouth Piece Keith Obermann said today. Trump should be ashamed for not calling for the Death Penalty on the church shooter like he did with Bergdahl.

FFS the left needs to slow down and think rationally about things instead of going off emotion and pure hatred for anything not them. In all reality, it wouldn’t matter if it was trump, Cruz, Rubio or even Jesus. They would all be racist, bigoted, white supremacist, fascist to the left. This type of thinking is what drove me from the Democratic Party. And frankly I’m ashamed I was ever a registered Dem. Fucking insane nuts took it over and it’s lost for a good while.

[Couchlock]

No shit? Tell me... Exactly what constitutional obligation does the ss administration have to release any facts of any kind to any other organization????

Thats what "left" doesnt get.
They seem to think personal information should be available to any organization from any organization.

Why should it come from the ss administration?

Why shouldnt it come directly from doctors???

Because it is wrong and totally violates the constitution of the united states!!!!

By the way... Thats the same constitution that put the firearms in your home.

I know I am not disagreeing.

What I'm saying is trump is a full,of shit moron who can't get his bullshit straight.

Regarding the phone call to the family if dead soldier

"I have a very good memory, best ever"

Then about a meeting he had a week prior to being questioned
."I can't remember, it wasn't important"



I have no intention of running for president.” (Time, September 14, 1987)

“I am officially running for president.” (New York, June 16, 2015)

“I don’t want it for myself. I don’t need it for myself.” (ABC News, November 20, 2015)

“I wanted to do this for myself. … I had to do it for myself.” (Time, August 18, 2015)

“Politicians are all talk and no action.” (Twitter, May 27, 2015)

“I’m not a politician.” (CNN, August 11, 2015)

“I’m no different than a politician running for office.” (New York Times, July 28, 2015)

“If I ever ran for office, I’d do better as a Democrat than as a Republican—and that’s not because I’d be more liberal, because I’m conservative.” (Playboy, March 1990)

“I’m a registered Republican. I’m a pretty conservative guy. I’m somewhat liberal on social issues, especially health care.” (CNN, October 8, 1999)

“You’d be shocked if I said that in many cases I probably identify more as a Democrat.” (CNN, March 21, 2004)

“Look, I’m a Republican. I’m a very conservative guy in many respects—I guess in most respects.” (The Hugh Hewitt Show, February 25, 2015)

“I’ve actually been an activist Democrat and Republican.” (CNN, October 8, 1999)

“Folks, I’m a conservative, but at this point, who cares? We got to straighten out the country.” (Burlingame, California, April 29, 2016)

“I’m totally pro-choice.” (Fox News, October 31, 1999)

“I’m pro-life.” (CPAC, February 10, 2011)

“Look, I’m very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it. I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when I listen to people debating the subject, but you still—I just believe in choice. … I am strongly for choice, and yet I hate the concept of abortion. … I am pro-choice in every respect … but I just hate it.” (NBC News, October 24, 1999)

“I am very, very proud to say that I’m pro-life.” (Cleveland, Ohio, August 6, 2015)



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[Couchlock]

Because he hasn’t done anything that the people who supported him didn’t vote him in to do maybe?

The left campaigned on absolute nuttery, insanely stupid social justice policy that vilanized large segments of the population then they wonder why they lost?

Then they blame this mass shooting on the NRA? It was an NRA instructor that stopped the shooter!!!

Ok ok, so let’s take guns away. Do the idiots on the left really want to give up their guns to a guy they’ve been calling Hitler the last year?

Ok more government regulations, so a airforce bureaucratic forgot to report his dishonorable discharge to the FBI (who does universal background checks) and the guy gets a gun. All while being escaped from a mental hospital?!!

So as The lefts talking Mouth Piece Keith Obermann said today. Trump should be ashamed for not calling for the Death Penalty on the church shooter like he did with Bergdahl.

FFS the left needs to slow down and think rationally about things instead of going off emotion and pure hatred for anything not them. In all reality, it wouldn’t matter if it was trump, Cruz, Rubio or even Jesus. They would all be racist, bigoted, white supremacist, fascist to the left. This type of thinking is what drove me from the Democratic Party. And frankly I’m ashamed I was ever a registered Dem. Fucking insane nuts took it over and it’s lost for a good while.

I can relate and support things from both sides.

Trump is neither.

Plain and simple. His own party isn't behind him.

Shit one of my favorite politicians is john McCain. And trump has the gull to say "he's not a war hero, I like guys who don't get captured"

How do you like guys who dodged the draft 4 fucking times, with fake bullshit doctor reports?

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[MuscleScience]

I can relate and support things from both sides.

Trump is neither.

Plain and simple. His own party isn't behind him.



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But his voters are, it just expose the problem in politics. If anyone thinks that Hilary would have been a better choice, especially with all that’s came out from the DNC rigging and how much Clinton’s made and Mueller off the uranium one deal. Then they are not rational and only care about their own schewed ideology. And could care less about the country, the people in it and the rule of law and order. Plain and simple.

Donna Brazier said it best. If she (Hilary) was doing this as a presidential candidate, just image if she were president.

[Obs]

I know I am not disagreeing.

What I'm saying is trump is a full,of shit moron who can't get his bullshit straight.

Regarding the phone call to the family if dead soldier

"I have a very good memory, best ever"

Then about a meeting he had a week prior to being questioned
."I can't remember, it wasn't important"



I have no intention of running for president.” (Time, September 14, 1987)

“I am officially running for president.” (New York, June 16, 2015)

“I don’t want it for myself. I don’t need it for myself.” (ABC News, November 20, 2015)

“I wanted to do this for myself. … I had to do it for myself.” (Time, August 18, 2015)

“Politicians are all talk and no action.” (Twitter, May 27, 2015)

“I’m not a politician.” (CNN, August 11, 2015)

“I’m no different than a politician running for office.” (New York Times, July 28, 2015)

“If I ever ran for office, I’d do better as a Democrat than as a Republican—and that’s not because I’d be more liberal, because I’m conservative.” (Playboy, March 1990)

“I’m a registered Republican. I’m a pretty conservative guy. I’m somewhat liberal on social issues, especially health care.” (CNN, October 8, 1999)

“You’d be shocked if I said that in many cases I probably identify more as a Democrat.” (CNN, March 21, 2004)

“Look, I’m a Republican. I’m a very conservative guy in many respects—I guess in most respects.” (The Hugh Hewitt Show, February 25, 2015)

“I’ve actually been an activist Democrat and Republican.” (CNN, October 8, 1999)

“Folks, I’m a conservative, but at this point, who cares? We got to straighten out the country.” (Burlingame, California, April 29, 2016)

“I’m totally pro-choice.” (Fox News, October 31, 1999)

“I’m pro-life.” (CPAC, February 10, 2011)

“Look, I’m very pro-choice. I hate the concept of abortion. I hate it. I hate everything it stands for. I cringe when I listen to people debating the subject, but you still—I just believe in choice. … I am strongly for choice, and yet I hate the concept of abortion. … I am pro-choice in every respect … but I just hate it.” (NBC News, October 24, 1999)

“I am very, very proud to say that I’m pro-life.” (Cleveland, Ohio, August 6, 2015)



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All politicians are shit. They all hand down the same shit.
You will either get 50% of people behind you or your career is done. We will always get the same mediocre.

Trump is a dick sitting on a plane ride that cost a million dollars drinking wine that costs more than your years salary and does not give a shit about anyone.

In short he mirrors every other politician.

Want to change it?

Change the mindset of over 50% of the population.

This is life as we know it. Yes we have a politician problem but it is miniscule compared to the individual problem. The masses are sheep following the media that sways their mindset.

I dont fit in with the masses in the least. Thats why I totally gave up on the news etc..

You know I like you like a brother couch. I am stepping out now. God bless man.

[Couchlock]

All politicians are shit. They all hand down the same shit.
You will either get 50% of people behind you or your career is done. We will always get the same mediocre.

Trump is a dick sitting on a plane ride that cost a million dollars drinking wine that costs more than your years salary and does not give a shit about anyone.

In short he mirrors every other politician.

Want to change it?

Change the mindset of over 50% of the population.

This is life as we know it. Yes we have a politician problem but it is miniscule compared to the individual problem. The masses are sheep following the media that sways their mindset.

I dont fit in with the masses in the least. Thats why I totally gave up on the news etc..

You know I like you like a brother couch. I am stepping out now. God bless man.

Your absolutely correct.

I love you to obs.

Fwiw,im more Republican than Democrat.

I'm,like politically agnostic.

This administration scsres me
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[Couchlock]

But his voters are, it just expose the problem in politics. If anyone thinks that Hilary would have been a better choice, especially with all that’s came out from the DNC rigging and how much Clinton’s made and Mueller off the uranium one deal. Then they are not rational and only care about their own schewed ideology. And could care less about the country, the people in it and the rule of law and order. Plain and simple.

Donna Brazier said it best. If she (Hilary) was doing this as a presidential candidate, just image if she were president.

I voted for Jill stein.

Hillary would be worse than trump I also feel

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[Obs]

Your absolutely correct.

I love you to obs.

Fwiw,im more Republican than Democrat.

I'm,like politically agnostic.

This administration scsres me
Sent from my LGLS775 using Tapatalk

Last thought

This administration does not worry me. The masses do.