Judge Greenlights Demolition Of Texas Church
A judge has permitted the demolition of the Texas church building where a 2017 mass shooting occurred, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including the pastor’s daughter. District Judge Russell Wilson of Wilson County denied extending a temporary restraining order that was preventing the demolition of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs. The church has since moved to a new building constructed after the tragic event.
Judge Wilson’s decision allows an earlier order by District Judge Jennifer Dillingham to expire, which clears the way for the building’s demolition. The church had voted to demolish the old building in 2021. Church attorney Matthew Swantner argued that the decision was a matter of church governance regarding its property.
Opponents of the demolition, represented by attorney Sam Fugate II, expressed hope that the church would delay the demolition while ongoing legal issues were resolved, despite no longer having a restraining order to prevent it.
The 2017 shooting was perpetrated by Devin Patrick Kelley, who had a history of anti-religious social media posts and had been discharged from the U.S. Air Force after serving time in military prison. Kelley entered the church during a service and killed 26 people before taking his own life. Authorities determined that his motive was linked to family members of his ex-wife who attended the church.
Following the shooting, the congregation built a new worship space, which was completed in 2019, while the original building served as a memorial. Texas Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the new building as a symbol of triumph over evil. Pastor Frank Pomeroy had indicated shortly after the shooting that the old building might be demolished, as many congregants were unwilling to return to it. In 2021, the congregation voted to demolish the building due to structural safety concerns, but some families contested the decision, alleging improper voting procedures.