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Armer church-goer strikes back against shooter

Is the only solution to a bad guy with a gun a good guy with a gun? Texas officials are saying yes. On Sunday, a man walked into a church in Tarrant County, Texas, and began firing at congregation members with a shotgun. He killed two people before being shot by parishioners carrying concealed handguns.

Police say they don’t know the suspect’s motive yet.

“We lost two great men today,” the church’s senior minister told local news outlets. “But it could have been a lot worse. I am thankful that our government has allowed us a way to protect ourselves,” Farmer said. “Please continue to pray for the West Freeway Church family.”

Government officials, including Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, credited Texas’ gun-friendly laws for stopping the shooting. Patrick said that if churchgoers had not been armed, more people would have died. There were more than 240 people inside the church at the time of the shooting.

“This team responded quickly and within six seconds, the shooting was over. Two of the parishioners who were volunteers of the security force drew their weapons and took out the killer immediately, saving an untold number of lives,” Patrick said.

Governor Greg Abbott echoed Patrick in another press conference. He condemned the “act of evil” and praised the civilians who took down the shooter.

“I am grateful for the church members who acted quickly to take down the shooter and help prevent further loss of life,” Abbott said.