The gunman suspected of killing 26 worshippers at a Texas Baptist church has been identified as 26-year-old Devin Kelley, as law enforcement authorities begin their investigation into the state’s worst-ever mass shooting.
Kelley was allegedly found dead in his vehicle, apparently after fleeing the scene of the Sutherland Springs shooting. The San Antonio resident died of a gunshot wound, but it is currently unclear if he took his own life or if he was shot by someone else.
It has been revealed that Kelley used a semiautomatic weapon and wore a tactical vest during the shooting. A week-old post on his now-deleted Facebook page appears to show an AR-15 rifle with the caption “she’s a bad bitch.”
An official told The Daily Beast it is “assumed” the same rifle was used during today’s shooting.
No motive has yet been established for the killing, and local authorities do not believe Kelley to have any connection to the church.
Local media reports Kelley’s home has been raided in the aftermath of the shooting, with K9 units dispatched during a sweep for explosives at the premises.
Officials have also revealed more information regarding the victims of the shooting. Their ages range from five to 72 years old. A two-year-old is among those wounded.
14-year-old Annabelle Pomeroy, daughter to the Pastor Frank Pomeroy, was killed during the incident. Pr. Pomeroy, who was out of state at the time of the shooting, described his youngest daughter as “one very beautiful, special child.”
Pomeroy said he counted all of the victims among his close friends.
U.S. President Donald Trump has spoken on the tragedy, saying America is praying for the victims and their families.
President Trump: “All of America is praying” for the victims of the mass shooting at a Texas church https://t.co/MSaOS80Za5 pic.twitter.com/jdvUdaDhB4
— CNN (@CNN) November 6, 2017
We’ll update this story as it develops.
