The perpetrator of the Texas massacre was a white American and former Air Force pilot.

Texas police have identified the perpetrator of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, 45 kilometers from San Antonio, Texas – Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, a young white man who previously served in the U.S. Air Force. This was the third church shooting in three years.

Kelley died during a police chase after entering the church on Sunday morning (5) and shooting at people who were gathered for a Sunday service. At least 26 people died and more than 20 were injured.

According to the state governor, Greg Abbott, the victims ranged in age from 5 to 72. Among the dead is Annabelle Pomeroy, the 14-year-old daughter of Pastor Frank Pomeroy.

Hate crime

Last night, worshippers held a vigil at the church. The FBI reported that the crime is being treated as a hate crime. Local police have not yet confirmed whether Kelley was killed during the police chase or if he killed himself while trying to escape.

Devin Kelley had his personal account taken down by Facebook, but according to local media, he had several photos of firearms and it was clear he was a gun enthusiast. The press also heard from witnesses who said he was a former member of the church where he carried out the massacre.

According to local police, the car used by Kelley contained ammunition and other firearms. Witnesses stated that he was wearing a bulletproof vest when he entered the church.

Gun control

President Donald Trump has once again been criticized by advocates for stricter gun control in the country because, in his statements following the shooting, he did not mention the need for legislative changes.

The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that fights for reforms in American gun legislation, released a statement about the shooting titled "We Did It".

In the text, the organization that fights for disarmament and to overcome the strong gun culture in the country recalls the attack in Las Vegas, which left 58 dead and hundreds injured. "We went through the worst mass shooting in modern American history just over a month ago. Politicians offered their thoughts and prayers on Twitter," the text says.

The NGO called Trump's speech inappropriate and stressed: "Dozens of people died in Texas today. This uniquely American cycle must stop. Americans are being killed in their homes of prayer, and all their employees will offer is prayer. We have to do more."

Repercussion

In June 2015, white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine black people who were attending a meeting at the historic Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Roof, now 23, was sentenced to death in January of this year. He committed the crime with a gun he had recently received as a birthday gift.

Shortly afterward, former President Barack Obama said that one of his biggest frustrations during his eight years in office was his inability to pass gun control legislation through Congress.

But, even more so than during his administration, Republicans currently hold a majority in Congress under Donald Trump. The National Rifle Association (NRA) represents gun manufacturers and maintains... powerful influence in the US Congress.

Yesterday on Twitter, Obama wrote: "May God also grant us all the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce violence and gun control."

Up to the beginning of this month, more than 461 deaths from shootings have been recorded in the country this year, in at least 307 incidents.