The gunman suspected of killing at least 26 people and injuring several others when he opened fire at a small town church southeast of San Antonio on Sunday has been identified as Devin Kelley, the Associated Press reports.
Kelley died in the aftermath of the shooting, which occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a small community in Wilson County.
Among those who were killed was the 14-year-old daughter of the church’s pastor, Frank Pomeroy. The shooting victims’ ages range from five to 72.
Here’s what to know about suspected church shooter Devin Kelley.
Who is Devin Kelley?
Authorities on Sunday identified the gunman as a white 26-year-old. He was seen walking into the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs on Sunday after crossing the street from a gas station around 11:20 a.m. Kelly, who was wearing all black, including tactical gear and a ballistic vest, began firing aRuger AR assault-type rifle at from outside the church upon exiting his vehicle. He then moved to the right side of the church and fired, before entering the church and continuing to fire.
Officials say that after leaving the church, the gunman was confronted by a local citizen, who grabbed his rifle and chased him from the scene. The suspect drove away, and crashed his vehicle near the county line, where authorities later found his body. It is unclear whether he died of a self-inflicted wound or if he was shot by the person who engaged him.
Air Force service records indicate that Devin P. Kelley served in the Air Force until he was discharged for allegedly assaulting his wife and child, the Associated Press reports. Kelley served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in Otero County, New Mexico from 2010 until a 2012 court martial, according to spokesperson Air Force Ann Stefanek. Kelley was demoted and received a bad conduct discharge following the court-martial, and served a one-year detention sentence, Stefanek said.
Where did Devin Kelley live?
Officials said an address listed online to Kelley is located in the San Antonio suburb of New Braunfels, about 35 miles from Sutherland Springs.
Authorities are investigating Kelley’s social media posts possibly made in the days prior to the attack, including one that appeared to feature an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle. He does not appear to be linked to organized terrorist groups, according to officials. Authorities said it was unclear whether he was part of any militia groups.
Neighbors reported hearing intense gunfire coming from the direction of the address listed for Kelley in past days.
“It’s really loud. At first I thought someone was blasting,” Ryan Albers, 16, who lives across the road, told AP. “It had to be coming from somewhere pretty close. It was definitely not just a shotgun or someone hunting. It was someone using automatic weapon fire.”