At least 27 people have been killed, and more than 25 injured, following a mass shooting inside a Texas Baptist church.
A two-year-old is reportedly among the victims of the incident at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, southeast of San Antonio.
Police spokesperson Albert Gamez Jr confirmed the number of casualties to CBS News, following a massive emergency response to the incident.
The gunman is thought to be among those dead.
People are gathering at the Community Building learning what they can about their family and friends. Heartbreaking news and tears. pic.twitter.com/Rj55JKtTmG
— KSAT Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
An witness told local news outlet KSAT that a gunman entered the church around 11:30 AM local time before opening fire.
Another witness told NBC News “we heard semi-automatic gunfire… we’re only about 50 yards [46 metres] away from this church.”
FBI agents have been observed on the scene as investigations begin, with the Bureau’s San Antonio branch indicating there is currently no known motive for the attack.
U.S. President Donald Trump has been briefed on the incident, and posted a tweet saying he was “monitoring the situation” while on a diplomatic trip to Japan.
May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
We’ll update this story as more information becomes available.
