Texas church shooting: at least 26 confirmed dead!

At least 26 people are dead and 20 are injured after a gunman opened fire on a congregation at the First Baptist church in the small town of Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. 23 people died inside the church, two were found dead outside and one died on the way to hospital.

The age of the victims ranges from five to 72. Several are still in hospital with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening. The gunman was described by police as a white male aged in his 20s wearing tactical-style gear and a ballistic vest.

He was first seen at a gas station in Sutherland Springs at about 11.20am, before he started shooting at the church and then walked inside and continued shooting. He was tackled by a local as he exited the church. He fled the scene in his car and was found dead after a brief chase near the county line after the vehicle crashed.

It is not known if he died from a self-inflicted wound or a shot fired by the local who intercepted him. Multiple US news outlets have named the suspect, but officials have not confirmed his identity.

President Donald Trump, in Tokyo, has said the shooting is a “horrible crime” and an “act of evil.” Texas governor Greg Abbott said it was the worst mass shooting in modern Texas history. Authorities have not named any victims, but First Baptist church pastor Frank Pomeroy said his 14-year-old daughter is among the dead.