Texas Church Where Deadly Shooting Occurred Is Demolished: A Somber Day for the Community
In November 2017, a tragic incident unfolded at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs in Texas, where a gunman killed 26 worshippers, including a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The small church building, which became the site of the deadliest church shooting in U.S. history, had been preserved as a memorial since the attack. However, the church members voted in 2021 to tear it down, leading to a lawsuit by some families in the community who hoped for a new vote on the building’s fate.
Despite the families’ efforts, a judge cleared the way for the church to proceed with the demolition. On Monday, heavy machinery was brought in to tear down the sanctuary. The interior of the building had been painted white after the shooting, and chairs with the names of the victims were placed inside. For many in the community, the church provided solace and comfort, making the demolition a deeply emotional moment.
John Riley, an 86-year-old member of the church, expressed his sadness and disappointment as he watched the demolition take place. He believed that the church was a sacred place and lamented, “The devil got his way.” Riley’s sentiment highlights the strong attachment and reverence the community had for the church.
Terrie Smith, president of the Sutherland Springs Community Association, also shared her grief and anger. She considered the sanctuary as a place where the presence of those lost could be felt. Among the victims were Joann Ward and her two daughters, who were like family to Smith. Witnessing the demolition was an overwhelming experience for her, leaving her feeling sad, angry, and hurt.
The legal battle surrounding the demolition began when some families sought a temporary restraining order, which was granted in early July but later denied when they requested an extension. Attorneys for the church argued that the structure was a painful reminder and within their rights to tear it down, while the families’ attorney hoped for a new vote. The lawsuit alleged that some church members were wrongfully removed from the roster before the vote. The church denied these allegations.
Amber Holder, a church member and plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed her dismay at the demolition. She believed that the church had become a significant part of history, and the scars on the building, such as bullet holes, served as a powerful reminder of the tragedy. Holder believed that tearing down the church would not bring any good.
The gunman responsible for the shooting, Devin Patrick Kelley, died by suicide after being chased by bystanders and crashing his car. Investigators concluded that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Kelley and his mother-in-law, who sometimes attended services at the church but was not present on the day of the incident.
The decision to demolish sites where mass shootings occurred is a topic that communities across the U.S. have grappled with. Some, like the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 people died in 2018, have opted for demolition. Others, like the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York, reopened after racist mass shootings. Columbine High School in Colorado still stands, although its library, where most of the victims were killed, was replaced.
Similarly, Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, was closed after a shooting in 2022, and plans are underway to demolish the school. Each community must make difficult decisions about how to handle these tragic events and the spaces associated with them.
As the Texas church is demolished, it serves as a solemn reminder of the lives lost and the lasting impact of such horrific incidents. The community of Sutherland Springs will continue to heal and find solace in their new church, built to replace the one torn down. The memories and scars may fade, but the resilience and unity of the community remain strong.
