Icetruck

Sutherland Springs: Texas church shooting leaves many dead

More than 20 people have been killed after a gunman opened fire at a church during Sunday services, police say.

The attack happened at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a small town in Wilson County, Texas.

The gunman, who is reported to have been killed in the aftermath, entered the church and opened fire at around 11:30 local time (17:30 GMT).

Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr said the gunman fled the scene in a vehicle before being killed.

"You never expect something like this. My heart is broken," Mr Gamez Jr said.

Earlier estimates put the death toll as high as 27. Mr Gamez Jr told CNN he was told by an emergency medical technician at least 27 died and 24 others were wounded.

About 50 people usually attend the service, locals said. The BBC's James Cook reported that children were among those killed.

• LIVE: Texas shooting updates

The First Baptist Church's pastor, Frank Pomeroy, has told ABC News that his 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle, was killed in the shooting.

Mr Pomeroy, who was out of town in Oklahoma at the time, described her as "one very beautiful, special child" in a phone call to the television outlet.

At least 10 victims, including four children, were being treated at the University Health System in nearby San Antonio, the hospital said in a tweet.

The gunman died after a brief car chase into nearby Guadalupe County slightly to the north, a Sherriff's Office deputy from that county told CNN.

But it is not clear if he was killed by police or killed himself, the spokesman said.

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One witness, Carrie Matula, told NBC News: "We heard semi-automatic gunfire… we're only about 50 yards away from this church."

"This is a very small community, so everyone was very curious as to what was going on."

The pastor and his wife were out of town at the time, the pastor of neighbouring River Oak Church told KSAT 12.

"We were in the middle of our church service down the road when we got phone calls from friends about this – and they said there was an active shooter at First Baptist Church," he said.

"We had some first responders in our church, who immediately left and went down there. And then my church went to do what we do – we started praying… we knew the best thing we could do was stay out of the way".

He said people had been told some news which was "private and personal for the families that are here… we cannot release any of that".

Sutherland Springs is a small rural community with just a few hundred residents, which lies about 30 miles (50km) southeast of the Texas city of San Antonio.

The San Antonio FBI branch said its agents had been deployed, and there was no indication of the gunman's motive.

The FBI also said that while only one shooter was reported, it was looking into other possibilities.

Photos and video from the scene showed the area taped off by local law enforcement.

A number of helicopters have arrived to transport the wounded, KSAT 12 reporter Max Massey said.

Texas governor Greg Abbott said: "Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response."

He said more details would be released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shortly.

President Donald Trump, on a tour of Asia, tweeted he was "monitoring the situation from Japan".

Skip Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump

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

Report

End of Twitter post by @realDonaldTrump

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement: "The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church. My office stand ready to assist local law enforcement as need".

The shooting comes just a month after a gunman in Las Vegas opened fire on an outdoor music festival, killing 58 people and wounding hundreds in the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history.

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Source – bbc.com

Jeremy Corbyn has suggested the Queen should apologise if her private estate invested £10m offshore to avoid paying tax in Britain.

The Labour leader pledged to "come down hard" on tax avoiding companies and individuals after the "Paradise Papers" leak shone a spotlight on the financial affairs of the super-rich – including the monarch.

He said anyone involved in the "shocking" leak should say sorry if they invested offshore to avoid tax – and also "recognise what it does to our society".

Mr Corbyn was speaking after his colleague – shadow chancellor John McDonnell – said Theresa May has "questions to answer" amid reports that Tory donor Lord Ashcroft continued to avoid tax in the UK after it was believed he had given up his non-dom status.

The leaked documents suggest Lord Ashcroft, who has given millions to the Tories, had a previously unknown offshore trust which at one point was worth over £300m.

:: Paradise Papers: Queen's private estate invests in offshore tax havens

Reports based on the documents also suggest the former Conservative Party treasurer retained non-domiciled tax status in Belize at a time when it was generally thought he had given up the status.

While most Britons have to pay tax on everything they earn, non-doms can enjoy the benefits of UK residency while avoiding taxes by channelling earnings through a home abroad.

In a statement, Lord Ashcroft denied involvement in any appropriate action and said he had complied with the new residency rules introduced in 2010.

The investigation of around 13.4 million files – by The Guardian, the BBC, Suddeutsche Zeitung and other media outlets – details the financial dealings of the rich and powerful, some 18 months after the disclosure of the Panama Papers sent shockwaves through the world of business.

Asked about the monarch at the CBI conference, Mr Corbyn said: "Well anyone that is putting money into tax havens in order to avoid taxation in Britain, and obviously investigations have to take place, should do two things – not just apologise for it but also recognise what it does to our society."

"Because if the very wealthy person wants to avoid taxation in Britain and therefore put money into a tax haven somewhere, who loses? Schools, hospitals, housing, all those public services lose and the rest of the population have to
pay to cover up the deficit created by that.

Mr Corbyn's office later clarified that he was not calling for he Queen to personally say sorry.

The Labour leader also called for a public inquiry into tax avoidance and evasion, an ownership register of companies and trusts, a new tax enforcement unit in HMRC and an end to public contracts for companies abusing the system.

He also warned Labour would look at using a withholding tax to punish individuals or companies involved in abusing the system.

The Labour leader added: "Please understand the public anger and consternation at the scale of tax avoidance revealed yet again today.

"We are talking about tens of billions that are effectively being leached from our vital public services by a super-rich elite that holds the taxation system and the rest of us in contempt."

At the CBI conference in east London, Mrs May said individuals and businesses should "pay the tax that is due" – but she refused to commit to introducing a public register of who owns offshore companies and trusts.

Lord Ashcroft's spokesman, Alan Kilkenny, told The Guardian that the peer had never engaged in tax evasion, abusive tax avoidance or tax avoidance using artificial structures, and that "any suggestion or implication that he has will be vigorously challenged".

The Panama Papers resulted in lasting damage for a number of the figures named, including Iceland's Prime Minister, who stepped down after suggestions he held investments in Iceland's collapsed banks, and former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable called for MPs to investigate the claims about the Paradise Papers.

Responding to the latest revelations, a government spokeswoman said: "Since 2010, the Government has secured an additional £160bn, more than the annual UK NHS budget, for our vital public services by tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.

"This includes more than £2.8bn from those trying to hide money abroad to avoid paying what they owe. There are 26,000 HMRC staff tackling tax avoidance and evasion, and we have provided an extra £800m to fund their efforts.

"A fair tax system is a critical and key part of our plan to build a fairer society, and we are clear that everyone must pay what is due, at the right time."

More politics news

• Previous article Westminster scandal: Growing problem for May
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Source – News.sky.com

Jeremy Corbyn has pledged to "come down hard" on tax avoiding companies and individuals after the "Paradise Papers" leak shone a spotlight on the financial affairs of the super-rich.

The Labour leader was speaking after his colleague – shadow chancellor John McDonnell – said Theresa May has "questions to answer" amid reports that Tory donor Lord Ashcroft continued to avoid tax in the UK after it was believed he had given up his non-dom status.

The leaked documents suggest Lord Ashcroft, who has given millions to the Tories, had a previously unknown offshore trust which at one point was worth over £300m.

Reports based on the documents also suggest the former Conservative Party treasurer retained non-domiciled tax status in Belize at a time when it was generally thought he had given up the status.

While most Britons have to pay tax on everything they earn, non-doms can enjoy the benefits of UK residency while avoiding taxes by channelling earnings through a home abroad.

The investigation of around 13.4 million files – by The Guardian, the BBC, Suddeutsche Zeitung and other media outlets – details the financial dealings of the rich and powerful, some 18 months after the disclosure of the Panama Papers sent shockwaves through the world of business.

:: Paradise Papers: Queen's private estate invests in offshore tax havens

Speaking at the CBI conference, Mr Corbyn called for a public inquiry into tax avoidance and evasion, an ownership register of companies and trusts, a new tax enforcement unit in HMRC and an end to public contracts for companies abusing the system.

He also warned Labour would look at using a withholding tax to punish individuals or companies involved in abusing the system.

The Labour leader added: "Please understand the public anger and consternation at the scale of tax avoidance revealed yet again today.

"We are talking about tens of billions that are effectively being leached from our vital public services by a super-rich elite that holds the taxation system and the rest of us in contempt."

Mr Corbyn also appeared to suggest the Queen should apologise if her private estate invested £10m offshore to avoid paying tax in Britain.

Asked about the monarch, he said: "Well anyone that is putting money into tax havens in order to avoid taxation in Britain, and obviously investigations have to take place, should do two things – not just apologise for it but also recognise what it does to our society."

Mr Corbyn's office later clarified that he was not calling for he Queen to personally say sorry.

Mr McDonnell said the Prime Minister should be prepared to answer questions given her party's pledge to bring transparency to the offshore industry.

"If the identification of Lord Ashcroft, a major Tory party funder, on the list and if the allegations of tax avoidance are true, it means that the Prime Minister has questions to answer," the shadow chancellor said.

"What did she and the Conservative Party know about Ashcroft's tax affairs and what due diligence checks were applied before she agreed to the Conservative Party accepting significant donations from him?" Mr McDonnell added.

At the CBI conference in east London, Mrs May said individuals and businesses should "pay the tax that is due" – but she refused to commit to introducing a public register of who owns offshore companies and trusts.

Lord Ashcroft's spokesman, Alan Kilkenny, told The Guardian that the peer had never engaged in tax evasion, abusive tax avoidance or tax avoidance using artificial structures, and that "any suggestion or implication that he has will be vigorously challenged".

The Panama Papers resulted in lasting damage for a number of the figures named, including Iceland's Prime Minister, who stepped down after suggestions he held investments in Iceland's collapsed banks, and former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable called for MPs to investigate the claims about the Paradise Papers.

Sir Vince said: "The Paradise Papers suggest that a small number of wealthy individuals have been able, entirely legally, to put their money beyond the reach of the Exchequer.

"Given these revelations, including news that Conservative donors benefited from these arrangements, we need a parliamentary select committee to investigate fully who decided what and why.

"In particular, we need the release of all government papers dealing with the decision not to clamp down on offshore tax havens. Only in this way can we ensure there is full public confidence in the tax system."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn added on Twitter that the disclosure "proves" that "there's one rule for the super-rich and another for the rest when it comes to paying tax".

Responding to the latest revelations, a government spokeswoman said: "Since 2010, the Government has secured an additional £160bn, more than the annual UK NHS budget, for our vital public services by tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.

"This includes more than £2.8bn from those trying to hide money abroad to avoid paying what they owe. There are 26,000 HMRC staff tackling tax avoidance and evasion, and we have provided an extra £800m to fund their efforts.

"A fair tax system is a critical and key part of our plan to build a fairer society, and we are clear that everyone must pay what is due, at the right time."

More top stories

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Source – News.sky.com

The shadow chancellor has said Theresa May has "questions to answer" amid reports that Tory donor Lord Ashcroft continued to avoid tax in the UK after it was believed he had given up his non-dom status.

Leaked documents – dubbed the "Paradise Papers" – suggest Lord Ashcroft, who has given millions to the Tories, had a previously unknown offshore trust which at one point was worth over £300m.

Reports based on the documents suggest the former Conservative Party Treasurer retained non-domiciled tax status in Belize at a time when it was generally thought he had given up the status.

While most Britons have to pay tax on everything they earn, non-doms can enjoy the benefits of UK residency while avoiding taxes by channelling earnings through a home abroad.

The investigation of around 13.4 million files, by The Guardian, the BBC, Suddeutsche Zeitung and other media outlets, details the financial dealings of the rich and powerful, some 18 months after the disclosure of the Panama Papers sent shockwaves through the world of business.

:: Paradise Papers: Queen's private estate invests in offshore tax havens

Mr McDonnell has said the Prime Minister should be prepared to answer questions given her party's pledge to bring transparency to the offshore industry.

"If the identification of Lord Ashcroft, a major Tory party funder, on the list and if the allegations of tax avoidance are true, it means that the Prime Minister has questions to answer," the Shadow Chancellor said.

"What did she and the Conservative Party know about Ashcroft's tax affairs and what due diligence checks were applied before she agreed to the Conservative Party accepting significant donations from him?" Mr McDonnell added.

Speaking on Sky News Sunrise, Mr McDonnell called for a public inquiry on tax avoidance and "measures to ensure openness and transparency".

At the CBI conference in east London, Mrs May said individuals and businesses should "pay the tax that is due" – but she refused to commit to introducing a public register of who owns offshore companies and trusts.

Lord Ashcroft's spokesman, Alan Kilkenny, told The Guardian the peer had never engaged in tax evasion, abusive tax avoidance or tax avoidance using artificial structures, and that "any suggestion or implication that he has will be vigorously challenged".

The Panama Papers resulted in lasting damage for a number of the figures named, including Iceland's Prime Minister, who stepped down after suggestions he held investments in Iceland's collapsed banks, and former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable called for MPs to investigate the claims about the so-called Paradise Papers.

:: Offshore Accounts Of World Leaders Revealed

"The Paradise Papers suggest that a small number of wealthy individuals have been able, entirely legally, to put their money beyond the reach of the Exchequer," said Mr Cable.

"Given these revelations, including news that Conservative donors benefited from these arrangements, we need a parliamentary select committee to investigate fully who decided what and why," he added.

"In particular, we need the release of all government papers dealing with the decision not to clamp down on offshore tax havens. Only in this way can we ensure there is full public confidence in the tax system," said the Lib Dem leader.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn added on Twitter that the disclosure "proves" that "there's one rule for the super-rich and another for the rest when it comes to paying tax."

Responding to the latest revelations, a government spokeswoman said: "Since 2010, the Government has secured an additional £160 billion, more than the annual UK NHS budget, for our vital public services by tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.

"This includes more than £2.8 billion from those trying to hide money abroad to avoid paying what they owe. There are 26,000 HMRC staff tackling tax avoidance and evasion, and we have provided an extra £800 million to fund their efforts"

"A fair tax system is a critical and key part of our plan to build a fairer society, and we are clear that everyone must pay what is due, at the right time."

More top stories

• Previous article Scott of the Antarctic 'selfie' up for sale
• Next article Brown reveals truth over 'Granita pact' with Blair

Source – News.sky.com

The shadow chancellor has said Theresa May will have "questions to answer" if allegations related to the offshore affairs of one of the Conservative party's biggest donors prove to be true.

John McDonnell was responding to an expose published as part of the 'Paradise Papers' investigation, by The Guardian, the BBC, Suddeutsche Zeitung and other media outlets, detailing the financial dealings of the rich and powerful.

They have analysed around 13.4 million files said to have been leaked, about 18 months after the disclosure of the Panama Papers sent shockwaves through the world of business.

The leaked documents suggest Lord Ashcroft, who has donated millions to the Tories, had a previously unknown offshore trust which at one point was worth over £300m.

:: Paradise Papers: Queen's private estate invests in offshore tax havens

Reports based on the Paradise Papers by the BBC claim the former Conservative Party Treasurer retained non-domiciled tax status in Belize at a time when it was generally thought he had given up the status.

Mr McDonnell has said the Prime Minister should be prepared to answer questions given her party's pledge to bring transparency to the offshore industry.

"If the identification of Lord Ashcroft, a major Tory party funder, on the list and if the allegations of tax avoidance are true, it means that the Prime Minister has questions to answer," the Shadow Chancellor said.

"What did she and the Conservative Party know about Ashcroft's tax affairs and what due diligence checks were applied before she agreed to the Conservative Party accepting significant donations from him?" Mr McDonnell added.

Lord Ashcroft's spokesman, Alan Kilkenny, told The Guardian the peer had never engaged in tax evasion, abusive tax avoidance or tax avoidance using artificial structures, and that "any suggestion or implication that he has will be vigorously challenged".

The Panama Papers resulted in lasting damage for a number of the figures named, including Iceland's Prime Minister, who stepped down after suggestions he held investments in Iceland's collapsed banks, and former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Vince Cable called for MPs to investigate the claims about the so-called Paradise Papers.

:: Offshore Accounts Of World Leaders Revealed

"The Paradise Papers suggest that a small number of wealthy individuals have been able, entirely legally, to put their money beyond the reach of the Exchequer," said Mr Cable.

"Given these revelations, including news that Conservative donors benefited from these arrangements, we need a parliamentary select committee to investigate fully who decided what and why," he added.

"In particular, we need the release of all government papers dealing with the decision not to clamp down on offshore tax havens. Only in this way can we ensure there is full public confidence in the tax system," said the Lib Dem leader.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn added on Twitter that the disclosure "proves" that "there's one rule for the super-rich and another for the rest when it comes to paying tax."

Responding to the latest revelations, a government spokeswoman said: "Since 2010, the Government has secured an additional £160 billion, more than the annual UK NHS budget, for our vital public services by tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.

"This includes more than £2.8 billion from those trying to hide money abroad to avoid paying what they owe. There are 26,000 HMRC staff tackling tax avoidance and evasion, and we have provided an extra £800 million to fund their efforts"

"A fair tax system is a critical and key part of our plan to build a fairer society, and we are clear that everyone must pay what is due, at the right time."

More top stories

• Previous article Scott of the Antarctic 'selfie' up for sale
• Next article Brown reveals truth over 'Granita pact' with Blair

Source – News.sky.com

Actor Richard Dreyfuss' son says Spacey groped him in 2008

WATCH Accusations mount against Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey

Harry Dreyfuss, the son of actor Richard Dreyfuss says Kevin Spacey groped him in 2008, adding another allegation to the mounting claims against the "House of Cards" actor.

In a guest column published Saturday by Buzzfeed, Harry Dreyfuss said the occurrence took place while his father was rehearsing at Spacey's London apartment for the play "Complicit" at the Old Vic theater. Dreyfuss was 18 at the time. He said he didn't tell his father about the encounter for several years.

An attorney for Spacey didn't immediately respond to messages Sunday.

Netflix on Friday cut ties with Spacey after numerous allegations of sexual harassment and assault were leveled against the 58-year-old actor. London police are reportedly investigating Spacey for a 2008 sexual assault.

• Star

Texas church shooting suspect identified as 26-year-old Air Force vet

WATCH A look at the scene of Texas church shooting

The suspected shooter who opened fire in a rural Texas church has been identified as 26-year-old Devin Kelley, federal and state law enforcement sources told ABC News.

Kelley is from New Braunfels, Texas.

The investigation into his background is unfolding. The suspect’s Facebook profile appeared to show a recent picture of an AR-15–style gun.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed Kelley served from 2010 until his discharge, which the Department of Defense's service verification website reports was in 2014. Ann Stefanek, an Air Force spokeswoman, said records confirmed Kelley served in the logistics readiness department at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

At least 26 dead, 20 injured in shooting at rural Texas church 14-year-old daughter of pastor among victims in Texas church shooting, father says

A source at the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told ABC News the agency is searching for explosives at the suspect's home. The FBI is also searching the man's home.

Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Freeman Martin said this afternoon the suspect was wearing all black, including a ballistics vest, at the time of the shooting.

Facebook

Martin said the suspect was found dead in his truck after running off the road near the county line after fleeing and being fired upon at the church by a resident. Investigators are unsure whether the resident killed the suspect or he killed himself.

Kelley lived at his parents’ home with his wife and child, according to neighbor Mark Moravitz.

Moravitz told ABC News he didn’t notice anything unusual about Kelly, but said he would sometimes hear gunshots coming from near that house in the evening around 10 or 11 o'clock, which Moravitz said was not unusual, given the area.

At least 26 people died and 20 were injured in the shooting. The exact details of how the shooting unfolded remain unknown.

ABC News' Gina Suneri, Luis Martinez and Seema Mathur contributed to this report.

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Source – abcnews.go.com

The Latest: Trump meets with Japanese Emperor Akihito

The Latest on President Donald Trump's trip to Asia (all times local):

11:20 a.m.

President Donald Trump is meeting with Japanese Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

Trump and first lady Melania Trump called upon Akihito and his wife, Empress Michiko, on Monday morning, their motorcade driving past beautifully manicured pines and deciduous trees bursting with color.

The president nodded at the emperor and shook hands as he arrived. The Trumps were then ushered into a receiving room where they spoke to the imperial family with assistance from translators. Reporters were unable to hear the conversation.

———

10 a.m.

President Donald Trump has raised the touchy issue of trade with Japanese business leaders.

Trump says in remarks to business leaders in Tokyo that the U.S. and Japan will have "more trade than anybody ever thought" possible under the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump pulled the U.S. out of the trade deal, to the dismay of many in the region.

Acknowledging disagreement with that sentiment, Trump says he'll ultimately be proven "to be right."

Trump says the U.S. has also suffered "massive trade deficits" with Japan for many years. He says he hopes to turn that around.

Trump also complained that millions of Japanese cars are sold in the U.S. but that virtually no U.S. cars are sold in Japan.

He says "we'll have to negotiate that out," adding that "we'll do it in a very friendly way."

9:45 a.m.

President Donald Trump is pitching the U.S. to Japanese business leaders, saying he's made it easier for them to get projects approved.

Trump is talking about efforts he's made to roll back regulations. He described the CEOs he addressed at the U.S. ambassador's residence in Tokyo as the "rock stars of business."

Trump says he wants to make the U.S. the most attractive place for local companies to hire, invest and grow.

———

8:30 a.m.

President Donald Trump is getting down to business in Tokyo on the second day of his maiden trip to Asia.

Trump opens with a speech Monday to American and Japanese business leaders, then joins first lady Melania Trump for a welcoming ceremony and meeting with Japan's emperor.

In the afternoon, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (shin-zoh AH'-bay) will meet over lunch and with their staffs, and hold a joint news conference.

Trump and Abe spent Sunday together. They played golf and chatted over lunch and dinner.

Trump and his wife are also meeting Monday with the families of North Korean abductees — to put a human face on the North's human rights abuses.

He'll end the day at a state banquet.

———

7:45 p.m.

President Donald Trump is stressing his close ties with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The two leaders dined with their wives in Tokyo, as part of Trump's first stop on a 12-day trip through Asia.

Trump says that he and Abe "like each other and our countries like each other." He adds that "I don't think we've ever been closer to Japan than we are right now."

The president adds that they are discussing a number of subjects "including North Korea and trade and other things

———

4:45 p.m.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he and U.S. President Donald Trump had a lively conversation over golf.

Abe spoke to reporters after he and Trump had lunch and played golf Sunday. He said that the two leaders were able to talk frankly in a relaxed atmosphere while out on the course.

Abe said he and Trump were able to "carry out in depth discussion, at times touching on various difficult issues."

Their formal talks Monday are expected to focus on North Korea and other regional and bilateral issues.

———

4:30 p.m.

President Donald Trump's first trip to Asia began with a round of golf, a custom cap and a hamburger of American beef.

The president got a taste of home as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomed him to Japan Sunday with a display of friendship that will soon give way to high-stakes diplomacy. The two men have struck up an easy rapport.

The leaders played nine holes of golf at Japan's premiere course.

The low- key start was a prelude to the formal talks planned in Tokyo Monday. Abe will be looking for a united front against North Korea and reassurances that the U.S. will stand by its treaty obligations to defend Japan if attacked.

• Star

Source – abcnews.go.com

Texas church shooting leaves many dead

At least 27 people have been killed after a gunman opened fire at a church during Sunday services, police say.

The attack happened at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in Wilson County, Texas.

Police official Albert Gamez Jr confirmed the number of fatalities to CBS News.

The gunman, who is reported to have been killed in the aftermath, entered the church and opened fire at around 11:30 local time (17:30 GMT).

"The details are kind of sketchy but what I know right now, what they're telling me, like 27 deceased and over 20, 25 injured," Mr Gamez Jr said.

"They're talking about the shooter is dead also," he added.

About 50 people usually attend the service, locals said. Local media outlets reported that children were among the dead.

• LIVE: Texas shooting updates

The gunman died after a brief car chase into nearby Guadalupe County slightly to the north, a Sherriff's Office deputy from that county told CNN.

But it is not clear if he was killed by police or killed himself, the spokesman said.

One witness, Carrie Matula, told NBC News: "We heard semi-automatic gunfire… we're only about 50 yards away from this church."

"This is a very small community, so everyone was very curious as to what was going on."

The pastor and his wife were out of town at the time, the pastor of neighbouring River Oak Church told KSAT 12.

"We were in the middle of our church service down the road when we got phone calls from friends about this – and they said there was an active shooter at First Baptist Church," he said.

"We had some first responders in our church, who immediately left and went down there. And then my church went to do what we do – we started praying… we knew the best thing we could do was stay out of the way."

He said people had been told some news which was "private and personal for the families that are here… we cannot release any of that".

Sutherland Springs is a small town with just a few hundred residents, which lies about 50km (30 miles) southeast of the city of San Antonio.

The San Antonio FBI branch said its agents had been deployed, and there was no indication of the gunman's motive.

The FBI also said that while only one shooter was reported, it was looking into other possibilities.

Photos and video from the scene showed the area taped off by local law enforcement.

A number of helicopters have arrived to transport the wounded, KSAT 12 reporter Max Massey said.

Texas governor Greg Abbott said: "Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response."

He said more details would be released by the Texas Department of Public Safety shortly.

President DonaldTrump, on a tour of Asia, tweeted: "May God be with the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI and law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan."

Are you in the area? If it is safe to do so let us know about your experiences. Email [email protected] with your stories.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7525 900971
• Send pictures/video to [email protected]
• Upload your pictures / video here
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Send an SMS or MMS to 61124 or +44 7624 800 100

Or use the form below

Source – bbc.com

26 dead, 20 injured in massacre at rural Texas church in worst mass shooting in state's history

WATCH Mass shooting at church in Texas: Special report

At least 26 people were killed and 20 others were injured when a gunman stormed a church in rural Texas with a rifle this morning, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt and the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

Victims' ages range from 5 to 72, authorities said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called today's shooting in Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio, the largest mass shooting in Texas history.

Jay Janner/Statesman.com via AP

The alleged shooter, a 26-year-old man, is also dead after the massacre at First Baptist Church, bringing the total number of fatalities to 27, authorities said.

Here's what we know about the shooting:

Tragedy at church

The Associated Press

The attack began at about 11:20 a.m., after a suspect was seen at a Valero gas station in Sutherland Springs, dressed in all black, the Department of Public Safety said. The suspect crossed the street to the church, got out of his vehicle and began firing at the church, authorities said.

The suspect then moved to the right side of the church and continued to fire, before entering the church and shooting more, authorities said.

')

As the suspect exited the church, a local resident grabbed his rifle and engaged the suspect, after which he dropped his assault-type rifle and fled, authorities said.

A citizen pursued the suspect, authorities said.

The suspect, who fled in a car, crashed and was later found dead in his vehicle in Guadalupe County, according to the sheriff and the Department of Public Safety. It's unclear whether he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or whether he was shot by another person, officials said at a news conference this afternoon at Stockdale City Hall, near the church.

KSAT

Multiple weapons were found in the vehicle, authorities said, adding that the suspect had tactical-type gear and was wearing a ballistic vest.

The threat is believed to be over, Wilson County District Attorney Audrey Gossett said.

Authorities did not discuss a motive at this afternoon's news conference.

Darren Abate/AP

14-year-old girl among the victims

Among those killed was a 14-year-old girl named Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, according to her father, Frank Pomeroy, who is a pastor at the church.

Annabelle “was one very beautiful, special child,” Pomeroy told ABC News by phone.

Courtesy Sherri Pomeroy

Pomeroy said he was in Oklahoma this morning, a rare weekend that he wasn't at the church.

The other victims are all close friends of his, he said.

Last Sunday, Pomeroy delivered a sermon at the church, encouraging parishioners to "lean on the Lord," even when circumstances don't make sense.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely, or lean, on your own understanding," he said. "You see God's understanding is far greater and there may be things that are taking place that you don't understand but you still need to do what God's calling you to do."

Nick Wagner/Statesman.com

14-year-old daughter of pastor among victims in Texas church shooting, father says Texas church shooting suspect identified Texas shooting: Pastor encouraged members to lean on God in last week's sermon Texas church mass shooting leads to calls for prayer — and gun control

'We heard several shots and we all started running'

A woman who said she works at a gas station across the street from the church told ABC News she heard rapid gunfire around 11:15 a.m.

Congregants fled the church and ran to the station cowering for cover, she said.

KSAT

“We heard several shots and we all started running inside the store,” said the woman, 49, though but declined to give her name.

“It lasted about 15 seconds," she said. "I yelled, ‘Get down, get inside,' and we all went into hiding.”

Within minutes of the gunfire, emergency personnel arrived at the scene, she said.

A church turns into a crime scene

Police formed a perimeter around the First Baptist Church and flooded its grounds with emergency and police vehicles, according to ABC San Antonio affiliate KSAT-TV. Agents from the FBI and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have responded to the scene.

Nick Wagner/Statesman.com via AP

A small group of people were seen clustered together outside the small, white church, holding hands and attempting to pray, a KSAT reporter said.

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

Paul Buford, a pastor at another church in Sutherland Springs, told KSAT his congregation was in the middle of their service at River Oaks Church when they started getting calls about the shooting.

Members of his church who are first responders rushed out while the rest of the congregation immediately started praying.

Pastor of nearby church in Sutherland Springs says first responders at his church went to First Baptist as soon as they heard about shooting pic.twitter.com/cHnDsK0iPc

— ABC News (@ABC) November 5, 2017

A portrait of the shooter emerges

Authorities identified the shooter as Devin Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels, Texas, which is about 35 miles from Sutherland Springs, federal and state law enforcement sources told ABC News.

The investigation into his background is unfolding. The suspect’s Facebook profile appeared to show a picture of an AR-15–style gun. A LinkedIn account that is believed to be associated with the shooter suggested that he had a military background.

Trump and Texas officials react

President Donald Trump, who is in Japan, began his remarks to business leaders in Tokyo by addressing the shooting as "an act of evil" in a "place of sacred worship."

"Together we join hands we lock arms and through the tears and through the sadness we stand strong," Trump said.

He tweeted earlier, "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas."

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

Trump has been briefed “several times” and is continuing to receive regular updates, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said.

Gov. Abbott said in a statement, "Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act. I want to thank law enforcement for their response and ask that all Texans pray for the Sutherland Springs community during this time of mourning and loss."

ABC News

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement, "The thoughts and prayers of all Texans are with the people of Sutherland Springs as tragic reports come out of First Baptist Church."

"Please join Angela and me as we pray for those impacted by this horrific shooting,” Paxton said.

3 church shootings in 3 years

The massacre in Texas is at least the third deadly shooting at a U.S. church in the past three years.

In June 2015, white supremacist Dylann Roof shot and killed nine black churchgoers during a Bible study at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Roof was sentenced to death this January.

In September 2017, a gunman allegedly stormed the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee, fatally shooting a woman in the parking lot before entering the church sanctuary, shooting and wounding six people.

ABC News' Jack Date, Pierre Thomas, Mike Levine, Aaron Katersky, Meghan Keneally, Michael DelMoro, Katherine Faulders and Joi-Marie McKenzie contributed to this report.

Source – abcnews.go.com