A gunman went into a Baptist church in Texas, U.S., on Nov. 5 during Sunday morning service and shot dead 26 worshippers and wounding at least 20 others.
Governor Greg Abbott said the toll may rise.
"We are dealing with the largest mass shooting in our state's history. There's so many families who have lost family members. Fathers, mothers, sons and daughters," said Abbott, according to NBC News.
"The tragedy, of course, is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship, where these people were innocently gunned down. We mourn their loss, but we support their family members," Abbott added.
The gunman reportedly walked into the church shortly before noon and opened fire.
Emergency personnel rushed to the scene, and some victims were evacuated by helicopter.
According to reports, First Baptist Church is located in Sutherland Springs, a small rural community about 50 kilometers southeast of San Antonio. The church's usual attendance for the Sunday morning services is 50.
The incident happened exactly five weeks after the Las Vegas attack.
Led by US President Donald Trump, condolences have been outpoured to the families and friends of those who lost their lives and those who are suffering serious injuries in the latest tragedy.
Trump, who is in Japan on the first stop of a tour of Asian countries, tweeted: "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."
