The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has confirmed at least 26 people have been killed in what he has described as “the largest mass shooting in the state’s history”. The attacker has been identified locally as Devin P. Kelley, a 26-year-old former US Air Force member who served from 2010 to 2014. His identity has not been confirmed by police. The killer, dressed in black tactical gear and wearing a ballistic vest, drove to the service yesterday morning and opened fire on the innocent worshippers, ranging in age from five to 72-years-old. One of the victims has been identified as Annabelle Pomeroy, the 14-year-old daughter of the Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy. Mr Pomeroy's wife said she and her husband were not in town when the massacre took place as she paid tribute to her "beautiful child".

FACEBOOK Killer Devin P. Kelley, 26, a former US Air Force member who served from 2010 to 2014.

FACEBOOK Devin Kelley shared an image of an AR-15-style rifle on social media

CBS reported that Kelley received a dishonourable discharge and was court-martialed in May 2014. The suspected killer showed off an AR-15-style rifle on social media last week. Police have said his motive is currently unknown. President Donald Trump, speaking from Japan where he is currently on tour, called the shooting “an act from evil”. He said: “We cannot out into words the pain and grief we all feel. “But in dark times such as these Americans do what they do best, they pull together.” Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Trump his condolences after the fatal shooting at a church in Texas, RIA news agency reported, citing the Kremlin.

AMRICAN STATESMAN•FACEBOOK Scores of people were shot in Texas

The killer fled the scene in a car after being chased by a civilian who confronted him inside the church. The gunman was found dead by police inside his car but it is not yet known whether he killed himself or was shot by the civilian. Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr has warned the death toll could still rise. Mr Gamez said: “My heart is broken. We never think where it can happen, and it does happen.

REUTERS The FBI has joined the investigation

“It doesn't matter where you're at. In a small community, real quiet and everything, and look at this.” Sutherland Springs, the tiny community where the killing took place, is home to only around 400 people and the shooting has shaken the close-knit community to its core. A five year old victim is currently in surgery after being shot twice in the stomach, once in his scrotum and once in his arm, according to a family member.

REUTERS A gunman opened fire at the church in Texas

Witness Carrie Matula told NBC News: "We heard semi-automatic gunfire. “We're only about 50 yards away from this church." "This is a very small community, so everyone was very curious as to what was going on." Scores of police vehicles and ambulances were seen lined up outside the church.

@MAXMASSEYTV Emergency services at the scene in Texas

US TV reporter Max Massey tweeted: “At least 6 helicopters called to transport victims. “Neighbours say they heard shooter may have reloaded multiple times, around 50 people usually at service.” FBI agents also arrived as officers cordoned off the crime scene. Families were seen gathered near the cordon in tears as they waited on news of their loved ones.

In pictures: Texas church shooting at Sutherland Springs Mon, November 6, 2017 Texas church shooting: At least 26 people killed after gunman opened fire in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 18 At least 20 people killed and 24 injured after mass shooting at Texas Church