Two people, including the gunman, died and another person was left in critical condition after the shooter opened fire in a church in Texas.
‘Heroic’ parishioners managed to shoot the gunman and prevent a bloodbath, according to law enforcement officials.
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said: “Evil walked boldly among us.”
The regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Jeff Williams, also said: “Good people raised up and stopped it before it got worse,” noting that their quick actions “saved countless lives.”
The incident occurred during communion at the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement. The clip on the church’s official YouTube channel, which has already been deleted, showed a gunman carrying what looked like a rifle and opened fire.
A worshiper managed to shoot the assailant, according to WFAA.
“Everything is under control. Our security team did everything they needed to do,” people were heard saying on the video.
Isabel Arreola, one of the witnesses, told CBS DFW: “It was the most scariest thing. You feel like your life is flashing before you. I was so worried about my little one.”
Minister Britt Farmer confirmed that the horrifying incident occurred while the service was being Livestreamed.
In a statement, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton said: “Please pray for any victims and their families, this congregation, and the law enforcement officials at the scene.”
Texas governor Greg Abbott also added: “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.”
There have been a number of shootings in Texas in 2019, including a shooting rampage in Odessa-Midland that took seven lives, and a shooting at an El Paso Walmart that left 22 dead.
What’s your take on this? Let us know in the comments section! SHARE this with your friends and family and don’t forget to FOLLOW our page for more stories and news!
Replaced!