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At least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured in a mass shooting at a Texas church, law enforcement told ABC News.
The alleged shooter, who has not yet been identified, is dead and there no longer appears to be any active threats at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, police told ABC News.
Among the victims killed was 14-year-old Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, according to her father and church pastor Frank Pomeroy. He described her as “…one very beautiful, special child...” to ABC News.
A woman who works at a gas station across the street from the church told ABC News that she heard gunfire around 11:15 a.m., sending people at the church and gas station to run and take cover. “We heard several shots and we all started running inside the store,” the woman said.
“It lasted about 15 seconds," she said. "I yelled, ‘Get down! Get inside!’ and we all went into hiding.”
Emergency personnel were reportedly on the scene within minutes.
President Donald Trump tweeted about the shooting from Japan, where he is currently on a tour of Asia.
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.
SOURCE: ABC News