Mid-Missouri churches react to Texas church mass shooting

Security is on the minds of churches across mid-Missouri after a deadly mass shooting took the lives of 26 people Sunday inside a church in Texas.

Devin Kelley has been identified by law enforcement officials as the shooter who killed 26 people and injured 20 inside First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Several churches in Callaway County told ABC 17 News they have a security plan but security and safety are more on their minds now.

“It’s sad that people can’t even come inside a place to worship,” Pastor Guy Thomas of Southside Baptist Church of Fulton said.

Several churches say they use safety methods like locking doors, having security, and having a plan.

Youth Pastor John Burcham told ABC 17 News whether anyone is inside a school or a church, they need to be vigilant but also not live in fear.

“If someone wants to do something bad, they will find a way to do it,” Burcham said.