Two people are dead and one critically injured after a gunman opened fire at the West Freeway Church of Christ in Texas. One of the victims died at the scene of the attack and one passed away en route to the hospital. One of the deceased is believed to be the shooter. 

ABC News reported that the assault occurred at 11:20 am while the church conducted its Sunday service, which was live-streamed on YouTube. The footage shows the gunman standing and confronting one of the ushers. The shooter, who was wearing a long coat, pulled a shotgun and shot the usher at point-blank range. Then, he opened fire on another churchgoer before armed security returned fire, shooting the suspect. The rest of the congregation hid under pews while others who were armed rushed at the assailant.

Bobby Ross Jr., the Editor-in-Chief of The Christian Chronicle, tweeted a link to the video explaining the sequence of events. “It appears that a gunman shot two church members at back of auditorium with a footlong weapon, then a member shot the gunman with a pistol,” he wrote. “This is just based on me watching the video again. Screaming afterward in the church. So tragic. Two quick shots at back, then another shot. Then at least three members (I believe) with pistols [walking] toward where the gunman appeared to fall.” 

It appears that a gunman shot two church members at back of auditorium with a footlong weapon, then a member shot the gunman with a pistol. This is just based on me watching the video again. Screaming afterward in the church. So tragic.

— Bobby Ross Jr. (@bobbyross) December 29, 2019

Two quick shots at back, then another shot. Then at least three members (I believe) with pistols watching toward where the gunman appeared to fall.

— Bobby Ross Jr. (@bobbyross) December 29, 2019

After the shooting ceased, a church leader can be heard saying: “Everything is under control. Our security team did everything they needed to do.” The video has since been removed from the church’s YouTube channel. The identities of the victim and shooter have not yet been released to the public and there has been no clear motive established. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a statement addressing 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.”