26 killed in Texas church shooting

A man wearing all black and a ballistic vest opened fire outside a small Baptist church in a tiny town in Texas, killing at least 26 people and injuring 20 others in the country’s most recent mass horror.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Monday that he would like to express “our sincerest solidarity with the American people at this difficult time.” He spoke to reporters ahead of a summit meeting in Tokyo with United States President Donald Trump.

Mr. Abe said that he and Mr. Trump would discuss various international issues, starting with North Korea. He said he hoped that the talks ould show the world that the U.S.—Japan alliance is solid. He did not take any questions.

A sheriff says there was likely “no way” for parishioners to escape once shooting started at the Texas church.

Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt Jr. said Sunday night that the shooter fired several shots outside before entering the Sutherland Springs church and walking toward the front of the congregation. Tackitt says the gunman then turned around and opened fire on his way back out the front door.

Tackitt says “I don’t think they could have escaped. You’ve got your pews on either side.”