3 Dead, Including Gunman, in Texas Church Shooting While Being Live-Streamed
A man who appeared to be a security guard (left) shoots a gunman (right) just as he pointed his weapon toward the crowd Sunday morning at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, a city just outside Fort Worth, Texas. (Obtained by IBEX News)
(IBEXNews) - A live-streamed worship service turned deadly Sunday morning when a gunman opened fire inside a Texas church, killing two before being fatally shot by two “heroic” parishioners, authorities said.
Footage of the attack shows a man, whose name has not been released but was described as someone with roots to the area, firing at two people in the back of the church and then getting shot as he tried turning his weapon at the crowd during communion.
His motive remained unknown Sunday evening as police continued to investigate the horrific scene. But officials said the shooting could’ve been even more tragic if it weren’t for the quick actions of two armed security guards. The incident took place around 11:50 a.m. at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, a city just outside Fort Worth.
“We’re all hurting right now," White Settlement Police Chief J.P. Bevering told reporters at a brief news conference, where few details were released.
Sunday’s service was broadcast live on YouTube, though the video has since been made private. The shocking footage, which was obtained by the Daily News, shows dozens of horrified churchgoers ducking behind pews as two men, including someone who appeared to be a security guard, drew their own weapons and rushed toward the gunman.
Texas church shooting (Obtained by IBEX News)
The shooting happened while church members appeared to be passing around plates of wafer as part of communion. The video shows the gunman — wearing a long, dark coat or a jacket and sitting toward the back of the room, get up, walk to a man who was leaning against the wall and shoot him and another man who was nearby.
One of at least two men who promptly pulled their own handguns shot back and struck the gunman, who immediately dropped to the floor, the images show. Horrified congregants, including at least one child, were heard screaming and crying as they ducked behind their seats.
Moments after the shooting, a man was heard on the microphone trying to calm people down and assuring them that things were “under control.”
“Our security team did exactly what they needed to do, but we do have one of our members that’s injured,” he said. “We have a gentleman who came in armed to do harm and the police are on their way.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called the shooting “an evil act of violence" and “a horrible tragedy."
“Places of worship are meant to be sacred, and I am grateful for the church members who acted quickly to take down the shooter and help prevent further loss of life,” he said in a statement.
The incident comes almost two years after a gunman opened fire inside another Texas church in one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. The shooter, 26-year-old Devin Kelley, killed 26 people and wounded more than 20 others at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Nov. 5, 2017.
Government officials and political figures from across the state and country posted numerous messages on social media condemning the shooting and calling for change.
“So saddened to hear about another church shooting in Texas, this one in White Settlement near Fort Worth,” former Democratic presidential candidate and Texas native Beto O’Rourke, who’s a fierce gun control advocate, wrote on Twitter.
“Clearly what we are doing in Texas, what we are doing in this country, when it comes to guns is not working," he added.
“Our places of worship need to be safe havens,” Houston councilwoman-elect Letitia Plummer tweeted. “There is a real need to breakdown barriers between communities and promote love and understanding. Our thoughts and prayers with the family and friends.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also weighed in.
“We are shocked and saddened to hear reports of a shooting at a church in White Settlement,” he said in a short statement. “As reports come in, please pray for any victims and their families, this congregation, and the law enforcement officials at the scene. My office will assist in any way needed.”
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said he was going to White Settlement Sunday afternoon to meet with law enforcement officers and learn more about the “horrific” crime. Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives also headed to the scene to assist in the investigation, according to the agency.
