Demolition Begins On Texas Church Where Gunman Killed Over Two Dozen

The deadliest church shooting in American history occurred in 2017 in Sutherland Springs, TX. Recently, a judge gave the 'go ahead' to tear down First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.

This small church became the final resting place of more than two dozen men, women and children in 2017, and now it, too, is approaching it's eternal slumber.

Amid protest from a select few parishioners that wanted to keep the structure standing, church attorneys called it a "constant and very painful reminder."

Sutherland Springs Mass Shooting

In November, 2017, a typical First Baptist Church of Sutherlands Springs Sunday church service was interrupted by sounds of nearby gunshots. The gunman, in his early 20's and dressed in tactical gear armed with a rifle, made his way into the building as he continued to open fire on the defenseless churchgoers.

By the time he left the building, the death toll was 26, the youngest being just five years old, and the oldest at 72. Also among the deceased was a pregnant woman and her unborn child.

The Aftermath of the Massacre

The gunman left the scene, but not until a bystander chased him off, forcing him to drop his rifle and flee.

Police found the gunman dead in his car, unsure where the bullet came from that killed him: his own gun or the bystander's.

Gov. Abbott traveled to the site soon after the shooting occurred before sharing his thoughts in a press conference in a nearby town.

A new church was soon built for the congregation and included an all-white sanctuary with the names of all those who lost their lives during this historical massacre.