3 Dead After Shooting At West Freeway Church Of Christ In White Settlement
FULL COVERAGE: NORTH TEXAS CHURCH SHOOTING
WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — Three people are dead, including the gunman, after a shooting at a church in the Tarrant County city of White Settlement, officials said.
Authorities responded to the shooting Sunday morning just before 11 a.m. at the West Freeway Church of Christ on Las Vegas Trail.
A witness told CBS 11 News the gunman walked up to a server during communion with a shotgun and then opened fire. According to the witness, another church member, later identified as Jack Wilson, shot the suspect.
"It was the most scariest thing. You feel like your life is flashing before you. I was so worried about my little one," Isabel Arreola said.
Two church members were killed in the shooting, while the gunman was fatally shot by the man who worked security.
"Tragically, there were two people who were shot and they died at a local hospital," White Settlement Police Chief JP Bevering said. "... the suspect is deceased, the threat was stopped thanks to the quick and heroic actions of those safety members inside the church."
Two other people were injured trying to duck and cover but were treated and released.
Late Monday morning, authorities officially identified the victims as Tony Wallace and Richard White. The suspect was also identified as Keith Thomas Kinnunen of River Oaks.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he is "shocked and saddened" to hear the reports.
Gov. Greg Abbott has also made a statement in regards to the shooting:
"Our hearts go out to the victims and families of those killed in the evil act of violence that occurred at the West Freeway Church of Christ. Places of worship are meant to be sacred, and I am grateful for the church members who acted quickly to take down the shooter and help prevent further loss of life."
Authorities are continuing to investigate and do not have a motive for the shooting at this time.
