Texas Church Shooting

2024 Author: Steven Freeman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 08:15

A couple who witnessed the Sunday shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, recounted the heartbreaking scenes they found when they arrived at the scene of the massacre in which 26 people lost their lives.

Kathleen Curnow, a 43-year-old woman who lives in front of the church where the events occurred, told People that when the shooting started she called 911.

"I spent all the time waiting for people to start leaving [the building], but nobody came out," he explained. “My husband went to the doors of the church. He is a strong man, but he told me: 'I was not prepared to see what I saw.'”

In particular, he recalled the moment when the authorities rescued an 8-year-old girl, who was still alive, from inside the building.

"She was covered in human blood and flesh [and] with a wound on her forehead," explained Curnow, who assured that with her husband they took care of the little girl while the rescue efforts continued.

"He lost all [his loved ones] except his stepfather," the woman continued. “He came out and was stunned and confused. He looked at her and there was a sigh of relief. His aunt was late for church [so] we were able to get them together.”

Authorities reported that the shooting began shortly before 11:30 am during church service hours. According to witnesses, a man dressed in black began shooting with an assault rifle outside the temple. Subsequently, the individual entered the church to continue shooting.

The alleged perpetrator was identified as Devin Kelley, a 26-year-old former Air Force member, who fled the scene and was later shot dead.

“Our prayers go out to all those who have been affected by this diabolical act. Our thanks to law enforcement and security for their response,”said Texas Governor Greg Abbott said after the tragedy.