Mike Pence, Karen Pence visit Texas after deadly church shooting
Vice President Mike Pence and wife Karen Pence traveled to Sutherland Springs, Texas on Wednesday to visit with law enforcement officials and families of those impacted by the deadly mass shooting at a Baptist church on Sunday.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting that left at least 26 people dead and 20 others wounded after a gunman opened fire inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs.
Investigators believe the shooting suspect, Devin Patrick Kelley, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the sheriff in Sutherland Springs told CBS News.
While in Texas, Pence received a briefing with local law enforcement, met with shooting victims who are recuperating and gave remarks at a prayer vigil for victims and their families later Wednesday evening.
Pence had announced he would be visiting the area on Twitter earlier this week, saying he and his wife Karen would meet with "families of the fallen, injured & law enforcement." He added, "We are with you Texas."
Follow along for live updates of the visit below:
Pence: The American people are with you
Pence delivered further remarks at the Floresville football field, telling those present the American people are with them.
Mr. Trump wanted to be there, Pence said. As the president has said in the past, Pence said, when one part of America hurts, we all hurt.
The vice president shared vignettes of heroes from Sunday's shooting, saying everyone finds hope and inspiration in those Texas heroes.
Pence meets with families of victims
Pence took time to meet with the families of victims.
"Our deepest condolences, whole country is praying for you. Can you tell me about her?" the president said to one family.
"He wanted us to be here," Pence said of President Trump. "He's in Beijing but I guarantee you his hearts in Sutherland Springs," Pence said to another man.
"Faith is stronger than evil"
"I'm here as Vice President to ensure that the full resources of the federal government are being brought to bare," Pence said.
Pence implored the American people to keep the shooting victims and their families in their thoughts, saying "prayers make a difference."
The vice president then thanked those gathered and concluded the brief remarks.
Pence makes remarks outside church
"In just a few moments we will meet with families of the fallen, and put our arms around them," Pence said. "We'll assure them that every American has them in their hearts."
Pence said that federal resources are being allocated to assist in Sutherland Springs' recovery. He also said that the Air Force is looking into why the suspect was able to obtain a weapon in the first place and that the Department of Defense is now conducting its own review.
"We're here to express our deepest sympathies, our resolve. But we're also here to express our admiration for a special community of faith," Pence said.
Pence arrives at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs
Local law enforcement briefed the vice president upon arrival at at the site of the shooting, the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. Pence then spoke with some civilians gathered near the church, wrapping his arm around one.
Dozens of FBI officers and Red Cross first responders were also present.
Governor Abbot introduced Pence before his brief remarks regarding the attack.
"He's a man who knows Texas, who cares about Texas, and he's here to speak on behalf of the United States," Abbott said of Pence.
Pence and entourage land in Texas
Pence arrived at Joint Base Andrews, joined by Attorney General Jeff Sessions as well as Texas Reps. Will Hurd, R-San Antonio, and Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo.
Prior to their flight, Cuellar, whose district includes Sutherland Springs, spoke to CBS News regarding the aftermath of the deadly shooting.
"It's hard," Cuellar told CBS News. "This is a community that has never seen anything like this before, of course. A lot of communities haven't seen anything like this before. Everybody knows everybody that got killed. Everybody knows everybody that got hurt. It's very emotional."
He later added that "the 2nd amendment is very strong and will remain very strong" in the county.
Upon landing, Texas Governor Greg Abbot, his wife and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick greeted the group, who then went to visit with shooting victims at Brooke Army Medical Center.
After the hospital visit, Pence and his entourage will head to the Sutherland Springs church.