Twenty-six people were slain in a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas Sunday. It was nearly 4 percent of the small town's population and about half of the victims were children. Emotions are high as Texas leaders react to the state's worst tragedy in modern history.
In an interview with "Fox & Friends," Gov. Greg Abbott was convinced that in the coming days we'll learn that the shooter did not act spontaneously.
.@GregAbbott_TX: "I don't think the church was just randomly attacked. I think there was a reason chose this church." pic.twitter.com/B2HFmtZVqo
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 6, 2017
"I think that you will see information surface over the coming days that there is actually a connection between the shooter and the church," Abbott said. "I think there is a reason the shooter chose this church."
Abbott reflected on his meeting with the victims' families, noting it was the "hardest thing" he's had to do as governor. Yet, he left them having been "inspired," for "their faith in God was unwavering."
The governor also commended Texans for their bravery. There was no hesitation when two armed citizens chased the gunman down, exchanged gunfire with him, and prevented him from extending his rampage.
"He was perhaps surprised and shocked when a neighbor came out and did shoot him and connected with him," Abbott said.
One of those heroes, Johnnie Langendorff, shared his astonishing account with Fox News.
“I did what I thought I needed to do,” Langendorff said. “They said that there’s a shooting. I pursued and I just, just did what I thought was the right thing to do.”