Hearts are heavy in Texas after a gunman entered the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, his shots killing one parishioner and severely injuring another. The suspect was killed on the site when churchgoers defended their peers by firing back.

"Tragically, the person shot by the suspect died at a local hospital and a second parishioner has life-threatening injuries," J.P. Bevering, Police Chief of White Settlement, told NBC.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, also commented on the event to NBC, saying, "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."

According to the same report, it's possible that a video of the service was streamed online, and may have documented the shooting, as confirmed by Minister Britt Farmer. However, the video has since been removed. The suspect's name and the names of the victims have not been released, and the victim in the hospital is currently in critical condition. We can only hope that they make a full and speedy recovery from what Gov. Abbott called an "evil act of violence."

Photo: Pixabay