26 people killed at church near San Antonio, shooter identified

Monday, November 6, 2017
26 people killed at church near San Antonio, shooter identified
A U.S. military official says the suspect identified in the mass shooting at a Texas church was a former Air Force member who was stationed in New Mexico at one time.

SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas -- A U.S. military official says the suspect identified in the mass shooting at a Texas church was a former Air Force member who was stationed in New Mexico at one time.

Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek says records confirm that Devin P. Kelley served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge. The date of his discharge and the circumstances under which he left the service were not immediately available.

An undated photo of suspected gunman Devin Kelley, accused of killing more than 20 people in a mass shooting at a Texas church on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017.

The Pentagon also confirmed that Kelley was an airman "at one point," but didn't provide additional details.

Authorities say 26 people were killed and about 20 others wounded in the attack in Sutherland Springs.

President Donald Trump has promised his administration's full support to the investigation of a Texas church shooting that left 26 dead and about 20 wounded.

Speaking to U.S. and Japanese business leaders in Tokyo Monday morning during his Asian trip, Trump highlighted that this "act of evil" at a place of sacred worship.

Trump says: "Our hearts are broken but in dark times - and these are dark times - such as these, Americans do what they do best." He says Americans will pull together to help those suffering.

Trump says he will continue monitoring the investigation during his 11-day tour.

More than 100 people gathered after dark on a grassy street corner within sight of the church where the shooting occurred for a prayer vigil.

Attendees, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, lit candles while some wept and others hugged Sunday night. They could see the church sign lit up and emergency lights flashing.

The vigil across the street from a gas station convenience store where law enforcement officials say the shooter stopped before the attack.

Mike Gonzales, who does not attend the church but lives near says: "The people of this church are wonderful people." Gonzales added, "We're coming together to pray for them and show the world that now, in the midst of darkness, there is light."

Authorities say 26 people were killed and about 20 wounded in the attack.

The Pentagon has confirmed the suspect identified in the mass shooting at a Texas church previously served in the Air Force.

In a brief statement, the Pentagon says Devin Kelley was an airman "at one point," but additional details about his time in the Air Force were not immediately available.

Authorities say 26 people were killed and about 20 others injured in the attack at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, 30 miles southeast of San Antonio.