One person was killed and one wounded after a shooting broke out at a church Sunday morning in Winona, Texas, police said.
Sgt. Larry Christian of the Smith County Sheriff’s office confirmed a suspect who initially fled the scene at the Starrville Methodist Church was arrested, according to the Associated Press.
Christian said no services were occurring at the time of the shooting, and deputies found two people were shot when they were called to the church around 9:20 a.m. local time.
Christian said he doesn’t believe the incident is a hate crime.
“I don’t think it’s going to be any kind of hate motivation or anything,” he said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his condolences in a statement.
“Our hearts are with the victims and the families of those killed or injured in this terrible tragedy,” Abbott said. “I am grateful for the law enforcement officers who apprehended the suspect, and I ask Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for those affected by this horrible shooting.”
Abbott added the state will work with first responders and local officials “to ensure that justice is served and that the Starrville community has the resources it needs during this time,” according to the Dallas Morning News.
Winona is a town of about 600 residents located 100 miles east of Dallas. Starrville Methodist Church was built in 1853. The suspect’s name has not been released.
