Texas: Two people shot dead in church

According to US media reports, a gunman shot people during a service in a church in southern Texas. At least two men were killed and another man seriously injured, as a spokeswoman for the emergency services said.

The attacker was among them, as the local newspaper "Dallas Morning News" reported, citing rescue workers. A security guard stopped the perpetrator with gunfire, it was said. However, it was initially unclear whether the attacker was killed or seriously injured. The attack occurred on Sunday morning (local time) in White Settlement near the city of Fort Worth near Dallas.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott was dismayed at the "malicious act" in the West Freeway Church of Christ and expressed his condolences to the families of those affected. "Places of prayer should be sacred," said the governor. He also thanked the courageous intervention of Church members who would have prevented worse.

Statement on shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement: pic.twitter.com/Crrrvavvs6

In the United States, where weapons are usually very easy to buy, there are repeated cases in which shooters shoot passers-by in schools, shopping centers or other public places. Thousands of people die every year from firearm use. The gun laws in the state of Texas are considered to be particularly lax. In 2019, more people than ever were killed in mass murders in the United States.