World
14:20, 06-Nov-2017
Will worst mass shooting in Texas accelerate gun legislation?
["north america"]
Share
Copied
At least 26 people were killed as they attended a Sunday church service in Texas, United States. Only one month after a mass shooting in Las Vegas, will the latest rampage help make a stronger case for tougher gun control?
The shooting began at around 11:30 am local time. The suspected gunman was killed in the aftermath.
The incident occurred at the First Baptist Church in the small town of Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles east of San Antonio.
The youngest of the victims was just five-years-old. The oldest was 72. At least twenty people are being treated in hospital.
Governor Greg Abbott said it was the worst mass shooting in the history of Texas.
The suspected gunman was named by US media as 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley. He served in the US Air Force but was discharged in 2014. Last week he posted a picture of a semiautomatic rifle on Facebook.
Texas officials say that during the shooting a local resident began firing back. After a brief pursuit, the gunman was found dead. It is not clear whether he died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
US President Donald Trump, currently in Japan, praised the first responders and their efforts.
"Our hearts are broken, but in dark times – and these are dark times – such as these, Americans do what they do best: We pull together. We join hands, we lock arms, and through the tears and through the sadness, we stand strong."
The police arrive at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, US, November 5, 2017. /CGTN Photo by Mike Miller
The police arrive at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, US, November 5, 2017. /CGTN Photo by Mike Miller
The attack comes just one month after the mass shooting in Las Vegas, where 59 people were killed.
Democrats urged Congress to pass tougher gun laws, but no gun legislation has been progressed.
In the wake of the Texas shooting, US Senator Chris Murphy urged his colleagues to consider new gun controls.
"As long as our nation chooses to flood the county with dangerous weapons and consciously let those weapons fall into the hands of dangerous people, these killings will not abate."
11539km