Details Found in Texas Murders

American officials named the killing of 26 people in a Texas church by an armed man, the worst event of this kind in state history.

Armed man identified as 26-year-old Devin Kelley opened fire Sunday morning during a church ceremony in the small community of Sutherland Springs.

Officials in Texas said that Kelley sent threatening text messages to his mother - in - law, who was in church, and that the event resulted from family problems and had no racial or religious motives.

Authorities also say evidence at the scene leads them to believe that Devin Patrick Kelley died of a gunshot wound caused by him after he crashed the car while being pursued by several armed civilians.

They said Kelley called his father to say he was shot and didn't think he'd survive.

The victims were aged 18 months to 77. According to authorities, Kelley had previously worked on an air base and numerous weapons were found in his car, but he did not seem to have anything to do with any organised terrorist group.

Ten people are in hospital in serious condition. They are between the ages of 5 and 73.

Tragedy in Sutheland Springs

Amid tears and prayers, the victims ' families gathered to learn about the fate of their people.

There are no words to describe. Because these things happen in New York, in big cities,” says one woman.

A common church ceremony in this small city of Texas suddenly turned into a tragedy.

Officials said an armed man with a rifle opened fire outside the Baptist church in Sutherland Springs and continued shooting as he entered it.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said: “is the worst event of this kind in the history of our state”, says Greg Abbott, governor of Texas. There are so many families that have lost their people, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters. Tragedy adds to the fact that it occurs in a church at a place of prayer”.

The armed man was later found killed in his vehicle following a confrontation with a civilian, reports VOA.

President Donald Trump, who was in Japan, first stop on his trip to five Asian countries, expressed condolences.