Background of the Tragic Event
A judge has approved the demolition of First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, where a gunman killed 26 worshippers in 2017. This tragic event remains the deadliest church shooting in U.S. history.
Memorial and Decision to Demolish
Following the shooting, the church converted the sanctuary into a memorial. In 2021, church members voted to demolish the building, but no specific timeline was announced. A new church building was completed for the congregation about 18 months after the shooting.
Legal Challenges and Recent Ruling
Earlier this month, State District Judge Jennifer Dillingham granted a temporary restraining order to some families hoping to halt the demolition. However, on Monday, State District Judge Russell Wilson denied a request to extend the order, potentially paving the way for the church’s demolition.
Church’s Rights and Lawsuit
Church attorneys argued that the church had the right to decide the fate of its property. “This is a question of church governance on how the church is going to proceed with its own property,” said church attorney Matthew Swantner. Plaintiffs’ attorney Sam Fugate II claimed that some church members were wrongfully removed from the roster before the vote.
Emotional Impact and Future Plans
Many visitors to the memorial found solace there, while the church cited the building as a “constant and very painful reminder.” The church plans to build an open-air memorial on the site.
The 2017 Shooting
The 2017 shooting was carried out by Devin Patrick Kelley, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being chased by bystanders. Investigators suggested the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Kelley and his mother-in-law, who was not present during the attack.
