"Everything is under control. Our security team did everything they needed to do," a church leader reportedly says in the video, urging everyone to remain calm as they leave the church.One person allegedly yells "I love you," as others scream and cry amid the chaos.The Texas Attorney General's office tweeted it was "shocked and saddened" by the shooting.MORE: The moment a security guard shot an active shooter at a church in White Settlement, Texas pic.twitter.com/z5KLFF1byY
— BNO News (@BNONews) December 29, 2019
The gunman is believed to be among the three, though it is not clear if the suspect was injured or killed, Fort Worth Fire Department spokesman Mike Drivdahl told reporters. Drivdahl said it was a "very tragic day" and offered the fire department's sympathies to those impacted by the incident. "You feel like your life is flashing before you. I was so worried about my little one," Isabel Arreola told CBS 11."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," Texas Governor Greg Abbott wrote in a statement. The governor added that he and his wife Cecilia, "ask all Texans to join us in praying for the White Settlement community and for all those affected by this horrible tragedy."The Fort Worth Fire Department issued an "active threat" alert around 11:30 a.m. local time and provided assistance at the scene, according to local reports.In May, the Texas House passed a bill allowing licensed handgun owners to carry weapons in houses of worship, which was previously illegal. However, the institutions are still at liberty to prohibit weapons despite the new law, Texas Tribune reported. This was allegedly in response to the shooting at Sutherland Springs church, which left 26 dead.Reuters contributed to this report. This is a developing story.We are shocked and saddened to hear reports of a shooting at a church in White Settlement.As reports come in, please pray for any victims and their families, this congregation, and the law enforcement officials at the scene. My office will assist in any way needed.
— Texas Attorney General (@TXAG) December 29, 2019