Elected officials on the local, state and national level responded quickly to news of the latest mass shooting Sunday afternoon.
As CrimeOnline reported, a gunman opened fire during a church service in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
As of the latest reports available, at least 27 people were killed.
President Donald Trump offered his condolences from Japan as his 13-day Asia trip got underway.
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 responded to the massacre in a media statement and on social media, according to KSAT.
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
“The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church,” Abbott said in a statement Sunday. “My office stands ready to assist local law enforcement as needed. Please join Angela and me as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting.”
Other Texas officials, including Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, expressed their thoughts publicly.
In addition to offering prayers to the victims, Cruz tweeted that he was “grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.”
Democratic U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro shared a similar sentiment in the wake of the tragedy.
Terrible news coming out of Sutherland Springs, TX. I’m monitoring developments and am praying for the shooting victims.
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) November 5, 2017
In a statement, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton pledged that his office “stands ready to assist local law enforcement as needed.”
He went on to ask others to join his family “as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting.”
The reactions came from leaders outside of the U.S. as well, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressing his nation’s condolences on Twitter.
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
Details continue to emerge as the investigation continues. According to KSAT, at least 30 people were injured in addition to the 27 confirmed dead.
The latest reports indicate the gunman was killed by police.
[Featured image: KSAT (video screenshot)]
