On November 5, 2017, Devin P. Kelley, a 26 year-old man, shot numerous victims in the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Spring, Texas, killing at least 26 people.  

Victims said that Kelley was in the church for a long time walking around. Kelley starting shooting the victims as he was walking around the church, even shooting victims who tried to run out the church, or people who were screaming and afraid. Survivors said that when Kelley stopped shooting, everyone in the church was either shot or dead. After Kelley shot victims in the church, he fled and shot himself.

Authorities have stated that Kelley was in a “domestic situation” in which he got in an argument with his mother-in-law. Kelley was known to send threats to people, even his mother-in-law, who he wanted to shoot with the rifle he used to shoot the victims in the church.

With the Texas shooting, victims have brought up the gun debate, and how none of this would have happened if states were more strict with guns. Victims argued that guns have made places less safe, because practically, anyone could carry a gun around at any point in time. Even though people would argue that guns are not the issue, the debate continues to become an issue as this has brought back the debate in the White House with Congressmen wanting to pass bills on gun control.

Keila Vidals, senior, thinks that it was very depressing how someone could go and shoot victims in a sacred and safe place like a church. Vidals believes that guns can be dangerous, but she does not want to limit the use of guns; she sees both sides of the debate. Vidals believes that places that were safe are not safe anymore, and that people should be careful. Although Vidals sees both sides of the gun debate, she understands why the victims want gun control.

Senior Manuel Martinez, feels bad for the people that were hurt by the shooter. Even though this was a tragic event, Martinez believes guns should still be allowed, because people can defend themselves with guns. With the shooting, Martinez feels that some places are unsafe because of the shooting, but not all of them. Even though Martinez believes in no limitations in guns, he agrees with the victims to some degree because of their experience.