At least 24 people were killed in a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, a community about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio. Celebrities took to Twitter to express their condolences to the victims and their families.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackett told NBC News before a press conference that “approximately 25 people” were deceased, including the shooter.
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Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas told The New York Times he was briefed by law enforcement officials, who confirmed that the gunman was killed after a short chase with police in another county. It’s not clear if the gunman killed himself or was killed by police.
One of the victims was Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, the 14-year-old daughter of Pastor Frank Pomeroy. The pastor was in Oklahoma and told ABC News he was on his way back to the community.
Here is how celebrities reacted to the news.
Musicians Offer Their Thoughts & Prayers
Many musicians offered their thoughts and prayers to the Sutherland Springs community, including Britney Spears and Lady Gaga.
“My heart breaks over the news coming out of Texas,” Spears wrote.
ย “My prayers are with the Sutherland Springs community.” Lady Gaga called for new gun control measures.
My heart breaks over the news coming out of Texas ? My prayers are with the Sutherland Springs community ?
โ Britney Spears (@britneyspears) November 5, 2017
Prayers for #SanAntonio and all the families who are suffering the loss of loved ones. Iโll pray also for #GunControl
โ Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) November 5, 2017
Just nothing. No words. Numb. Again. May everyone affected in Texas rest in and find peace.
โ josh groban (@joshgroban) November 5, 2017
heartbroken for all those shot & killed in church just now in texas. what an awful time weโre living in that this keeps happening ?
โ christina perri (@christinaperri) November 5, 2017
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TV Stars’ Hearts Are Broken
Several comedians and TV stars also commented on the shooting, with some wondering what it will take for more gun control measures to be passed.
“Where’s the next mass shooting gonna be? Any guesses? Should we try to do anything we can to prevent it? No? Ok cool. Good luck out there,” comedian Billy Eichner wrote.ย
Where’s the next mass shooting gonna be? Any guesses? Should we try to do anything we can to prevent it? No? Ok cool. Good luck out there!
โ billy eichner (@billyeichner) November 5, 2017
My heart just broke. Again . #SutherlandSprings Texas church shooting. Please stop the madness ???
โ Hoda Kotb (@hodakotb) November 5, 2017
Innocent people go to church on Sunday to honor their God, and while doing so, get shot in killed. What country? America. Why? Republicans.
โ Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) November 5, 2017
My God what is happening in this world…absolutely devastating. Praying for #SutherlandSprings #Texas
โ Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) November 5, 2017
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Comedians Chime in
Other comedians responded to the tragedy as well. Andy Richter wondered, “If this isn’t a public heath crisis, what is? This sure isn’t freedom.”
“No words. My heart is broken for Sutherland Springs, TX and for 2017 America. Please let’s all come together,” Sarah Silverman added.
20+ dead in a small town church. 500+ shot in Vegas. If this isnโt a public heath crisis, what is? This sure isnโt freedom.
โ Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) November 5, 2017
No words. My heart is broken for Sutherland Springs, TX and for 2017 America. Please letโs all come together
โ Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) November 5, 2017
.@realDonaldTrump, God WAS with them while they were shot to death. Maybe itโs time to talk gun regulation & end this bullshit already. pic.twitter.com/QwNEcdKf1G
โ david nuzzy nussbaum (@theNuzzy) November 5, 2017
Iโll just keep saying it: The NRA is a terrorist organization.
โ Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) November 5, 2017
Actors Call on Congress to Take Action
Other Hollywood stars want Congress to take action.
“CONGRESS- the Horror of #SutherlandSprings is on YOU. BAN #gunstocks NOW. Las Vegas was basically Yesterday! Shameful, complicit, no excuses,”ย Will & Grace star Debra Messing wrote.
CONGRESS- the Horror of #SutherlandSprings is on YOU. BAN #gunstocks NOW. Las Vegas was basically Yesterday! Shameful, complicit,no excuses.
โ Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) November 5, 2017
When will this madness end? How many more innocent people must die?
โ Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) November 5, 2017
My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones. This is horrifying . Church is supposed to be a safe place … https://t.co/ydhEXFkkCg
โ Camilla Belle (@CamillaBelle) November 5, 2017
Texas. I love you. ?
โ Sophia Bush (@SophiaBush) November 5, 2017
Local official says 27 people were shot and killed, dozens injured. Heart with Sutherland Springs, Texas at this terrible time
โ Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 5, 2017
Another day. Another mass shooting. Will it ever end? Heartbroken for all those affected. #Texas
โ Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 5, 2017
Politicians Also Offer Condolences
Politicians also commented on the shooting after the news broke. President Donald Trump said he is getting updates while in Japan.
“May God be [with] the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan,” Trump wrote.
May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
โ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
My thoughts are with the victims of Sutherland Springs and their loved ones. No community should have to face such a senseless tragedy.
โ Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 5, 2017
Senator Chris Murphy’s response to the Sutherland Springs shooting. It’s well worth the read. pic.twitter.com/9CfEB2OM4p
โ Greg Hogben (@MyDaughtersArmy) November 5, 2017
Keeping all harmed in Sutherland Springs in our prayers and grateful for our brave first responders on the scene.
โ Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) November 5, 2017
Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS soon. https://t.co/KMCRmOPkiM
โ Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 5, 2017
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