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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsSlate "Gunman Opens Fire in Texas Baptist Church, Reportedly Kills More Than 20 "
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/11/05/multiple_casualties_after_gunman_opens_fire_in_baptist_church_in_sutherland.htmlby Daniel Politi
There are reports of multiple fatalities after a gunman opened fire inside a Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, which is located around 30 miles southeast of San Antonio, Texas. Witnesses report seeing a gunman walk into the First Baptist Church and start shooting at around 11:30 a.m. Officials say there were multiple casualties, many of them fatal but they havent released numbers yet. A County Commissioner in Texas says he was told more than 20 people were killed and more than 20 others wounded, but those numbers have yet to be confirmed.
A cashier at a nearby gas station said she heard around 20 shots fired during the church service.
Families in tears wait to see if their family and friends are safe. Praying for the safety of all those involved. pic.twitter.com/yjzK7lZJ1S
Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
The shooter was killed following a short pursuit by police but it still isnt clear whether he was killed by officers or he shot himself.
President Donald Trump quickly reacted to the news, sending a tweet nothing that he is monitoring the situation from 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
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott also took to Twitter shortly after the news broke: "Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act."
Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS soon. https://t.co/KMCRmOPkiM
Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 5, 2017
Motley13
(3,867 posts)Hayduke Bomgarte
(1,965 posts)With one hand, while grabbing NRA money with the other hand. Same ole story. Rinse, repeat.
uppityperson
(115,677 posts)God and prayers didn't help.
Words fail me.
Initech
(100,076 posts)How will the fundies spin this one?
Beartracks
(12,814 posts)Stop politicizing this tragedy.
Saying you're sending thought and prayers is sufficient.
Yada, yada, yada.
Is America great again yet?
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guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)The media will obsessively focus on motives, while ignoring the fact that firearms are far too easy to obtain.
Beartracks
(12,814 posts)... we CAN regulate firearms. And we should. Even the Constitution doesn't say we have the right to bear ANY arms; just "arms."
It's too bad so many politicians are political cowards when it comes to keeping Americans safe.
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guillaumeb
(42,641 posts)Even the SCOTUS decision in Heller v DC allows for regulation, but when money is speech the result is what we currently have.
Motley13
(3,867 posts)Congress should just make a recording & play it regularly to cover incidents like this that happen so often so they don't have to look for a solution