ADVERTISEMENT

Hundreds attend Sunday service a week after incident

Held in a large white tent in a baseball field a few blocks from the church, around 700 people listened to pastor Frank Pomeroy's sermon and sang hymns, according to local media reports.

"I knew everybody who gave their life that day. Some of them were my best friends. And my daughter," an emotional Pomeroy told the congregation, the San Antonio Express-News reported.

Pomeroy's 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, was one of 26 people killed on November 5 when gunman Devin Kelley opened fire with an assault rifle at the church, located 30 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of San Antonio.

"I have no doubt they're dancing with Jesus today," the pastor, also joined by Texan Senator John Cornyn and local pastor Mark Collins, added.

ADVERTISEMENT

Members of the crowd -- which included victims and their families -- each received a printed prayer sealed in a plastic bag, the Express-News reported.

"Lord, heal the hurting. Be with those that are alone after losing their loved ones. Give them the strength to go on," it read.

Later Sunday, a temporary memorial opened inside the church. Cleaned, restored and painted completely white by volunteers, it contained 26 empty chairs, accompanied by recordings of previous sermons playing in the background.

Inscribed in gold with a victim's name and arranged in the spots where they sat during worship, each seat was also adorned with a single rose.

"I haven't seen this done in other catastrophes," Pomeroy said, the Washington Post reported. "But I want the world to know that that building will be open so that everyone who walks in there will know that the people who died lived for their lord and savior."

ADVERTISEMENT

Shooter Devin Kelley, 26, received a "bad conduct" discharge from the US Air Force after being court-martialed in 2012 and convicted of domestic violence.

However, in an error under investigation by the Air Force, his conviction was not entered into a national database used to run background checks on would-be gun owners.

Speaking after the service, KXAN reported Sen. Cornyn said he is looking to introduce legislation to address background check protocol as early as tomorrow.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Obama, Clinton support Biden at NYC fundraiser amid protests

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Tinubu’s refusal to celebrate 72nd birthday marks great leadership - Rahman

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

Adamawa Police reaffirms ban on motorcycles in Yola

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

You make bold decisions & live with consequences - Ondo Gov hails Tinubu at 72

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

170 electrical vandalism cases in 2 years, 100 charged to court - EEDC

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Tinubu appoints Bello as chairman of code of conduct bureau

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Don't curse, condemn Nigeria in your sermons - Tinubu tells clerics

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Lagos postpones eagerly anticipated Easter boat regatta indefinitely

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Third Mainland Bridge reopens in 1 week, formal ceremony later - Minister

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT