26 killed in Texas church shooting, Trump denounces attack

Residents of Sutherland Springs hug each other during a vigil held to mourn the victims on Nov 5, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

The Wilson County News earlier quoted Sheriff Joe Tackitt as reporting that there have been "multiple casualties and fatalities."

"While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation, (my wife) Cecilia and I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act," Governor Abbott said in a statement following the shooting.

"I want to thank law enforcement for their response and ask that all Texans pray for the Sutherland Springs community during this time of morning and loss," the statement said.

U.S. President Donald Trump who is in Tokyo on a 12-day Asian tour denounced the "horrific shooting."

"May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan," he tweeted.

"You cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel" for the victims," the U.S. president said, pledging his administration's "full support" for the investigation.

Sutherland Springs is an unincorporated community located on the old Spanish land grant of Manuel Tarin in northern Wilson County. According to the Handbook of Texas, the population was 362 in 2000.