The New York Times reports that 27 people are dead and at least 24 more injured.
After opening fire, the gunman fled the scene. Police have confirmed that after a short pursuit he is now dead, 7 News reports. Wilson County Comissioner Albert Gamez Jr. told CNN that it’s not yet clear whether he was killed by police or killed himself.
“You never expect something like this,” Gamez said. “My heart is broken.”
Sutherland Springs is a small rural community, with local resident Joseph Silva telling the Times, “there is a gas station and a post office… that’s about all there really is.”
At this stage the gunman’s motives are unclear.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire.