A gunman opened fire at a church in Sutherland Springs on Sunday, according to officials. More than 20 have been reported dead in the small town east of San Antonio, with more than 20 wounded. The gunman is also dead, Wilson County Commissioner Paul Pheil said in a TV news interview.
The news brought an all-too-familiar mix of reactions on social media, including condolences and calls to action. Here’s what people are saying about the shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs:
Statement on shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX. pic.twitter.com/ffUbQgYdWD
— Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) November 5, 2017
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
Canadians send their condolences to those affected by today's tragic church shooting in Texas - we wish a full recovery to the injured.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 5, 2017
Everyone in #SutherlandSprings just lost a friend, neighbor, or family member... I love small town Texas and Millions of US are here for you
— Nate Boyer (@NateBoyer37) November 5, 2017
Reports out of Texas are devastating. The people of Sutherland Springs need our prayers right now.
— Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) November 5, 2017
Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 5, 2017
News from Sutherland Springs, Texas, is heartbreaking. There's a sickness among us that we inflict such horrific violence upon each other.
— Evan McMullin (@Evan_McMullin) November 5, 2017
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
In case you feel like doing something more than #ThoughtsAndPrayers, there's an election on Tuesday. https://t.co/ltbh5TwSgt
— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) November 5, 2017
The mass shooting at a church near San Antonio today is a tragedy that leaves all Texans with grieving hearts. #SutherlandSpringsShooting
— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) November 5, 2017
This is heartbreaking. Please join us in praying for all involved. https://t.co/vRSTjA9oTK
— Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) November 5, 2017
Prayers for the victims and their families in the Sutherland Springs mass shooting today.
— Chief Brian Manley (@chief_manley) November 5, 2017
Sutherland Springs has ~640 people. If the death toll (27) remains unchanged, that means approx. 4% of the community is gone. Just like that
— Taylor Maycan (@TaylorMaycan) November 5, 2017
My heart goes out to Sutherland Springs...
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) November 5, 2017
But after 85 people were murdered in less than 40 days...
We need to bring up gun control.
To ppl offering their “thoughts and prayers” to Sutherland Springs, Texas but still don’t think we need #GunControl, read James 2:14-26
— Ainsley (@ainsleyyy_b) November 5, 2017
🐥 (@estrada5marahia) November 5, 2017Sutherland Springs is my hometown.. this is so scary & heartbreaking.
— marahia
Broken hearted for the tight knit community of Sutherland Springs, TX, on the senseless loss of life. Feeling sorrow & anger at this news.
— Ev Mueller (Lozada) (@EveMue) November 5, 2017
With our greatest sorrow and compassion. Las Vegas stands with you with our hearts broken and ready to help in anyway we can. #SutherlandSprings
— Carolyn G. Goodman (@mayoroflasvegas) November 5, 2017
See photos from the scene here. This is a developing story. Check statesman.com for the latest.