Gunman opens fire at Texas church; multiple people may have been killed

Several people were shot Sunday when a  gunman opened fire at a rural church outside San Antonio.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt told The Wilson County News and other media that  the gunman walked into First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and began firing, killing some of his victims. The shooter has been taken down, the sheriff said.

Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. told CNN the shooter died following a short police pursuit. It was not immediately clear whether the gunman was killed by officers or if his wounds were self-inflicted, Gamez said.

Gamez, citing first responders at the scene, said he was told 27 people may have been killed and 24 wounded.

"My heart is broken," Gamez said.

Paul Buford, pastor of nearby River Oaks Church, said his service was underway when first responders in his congregation were called to the scene. He said that some members of the community had "confirmed information" about family members and friends. Buford declined to provide any details.

"We are pulling together as a community," Buford said. "We are holding up as best we can."

President Trump tweeted from his trip to Asia: "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."

Police, ambulances and helicopters swarmed to the scene of the small church 35 miles east of San Antonio. A sheriff's dispatcher declined to comment on the situation to USA TODAY, saying officials who could provide details were at the scene.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said agents from its San Antonio office were responding to the shooting. The FBI also was on the scene.

Connally Memorial Medical Center spokeswoman Megan Posey told the Associated Press the hospital in nearby Floresville had received less than a dozen patients. 

"Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act," Gov. Greg Abbott said on Twitter. "Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS (Department of Public Safety) soon."

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, tweeted: "Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene."