Current:Home > MyPlans to demolish Texas church where gunman opened fire in 2017 draw visitors back to sanctuary -Nova Finance Academy
Plans to demolish Texas church where gunman opened fire in 2017 draw visitors back to sanctuary
View
Date:2025-04-11 19:18:59
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas (AP) — Plans to tear down a small Texas church where a gunman in 2017 killed more than two dozen worshippers drew visitors Tuesday as a last-minute push was made to stop the demolition.
Leaders of First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs have not publicly announced when it plans to demolish the sanctuary, where authorities put the number of dead from the shooting at 26 people, including a pregnant woman and her unborn baby, in what remains the deadliest church shooting in U.S. history.
Roxanna Avants, 71, moved to Sutherland Springs after the shooting and said she was at the church Tuesday to support those who lost loved ones in the shooting. Avants said even if people don’t want to walk past a reminder of a tragedy, the church is still a house of God and a memorial for those who died in 2017.
On Tuesday, a Texas judge approved a temporary restraining order sought by some families to delay the demolition. The order signed by Judge Jennifer Dillingham instructs the church to not to begin demolition and to appear before the court later this month.
But Sam Fugate II, an attorney for the families that sought the restraining order, said the church had still not been served the order as of Tuesday afternoon and expressed concern that the demolition could still proceed.
Christine Earnhardt, a secretary for the church, said Tuesday that she could not confirm whether a demolition was scheduled and that the church had no plans to comment or make a statement.
Following the shooting, the sanctuary was turned into a memorial. The interior was painted white and chairs with the names of those who were killed were placed there, the lawsuit said.
The church then voted in 2021 to tear down the building, which opponents have contended was against the wishes of many surviving family members. A new church was completed for the congregation about a year and a half after the shooting.
“We’re not after money. We’re after what’s fair,” Fugate said. “We want our clients to say their peace about whether the church should stand and take another vote.”
Amber Holder, a church member who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said she wanted to make sure survivors of the shooting and the victims’ families have a vote. “So many victims’ families were told: ‘You’re not allowed to vote because you’re no longer a member here,’” Holder said.
Holder said she wasn’t at the service the day of the shooting but got there shortly after. As a teen she was taken in by the family of the pastor at the time, whose 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy, was among those killed.
Terrie Smith, president of the Sutherland Springs Community Association, said that as news of the upcoming demolition spread in the community of less than 1,000 people, those she had spoken with were “devastated.” Smith said that a woman who was like a daughter to her — Joann Ward — and her two daughters, ages 7 and 5, were among those killed in the shooting.
Smith, who is not a member of the church, said she often visits the memorial sanctuary. “It’s just a beautiful, beautiful memorial the way it is now,” she said.
“You feel the comfort of everybody that was lost there,” Smith said.
Communities across the U.S. have grappled with what should happen to the sites of mass shootings. Last month, demolition began on the three-story building where 17 people died in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. After the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, it was torn down and replaced.
Tops Friendly Markets in Buffalo, New York, and the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where racist mass shootings happened, both reopened. In Colorado, Columbine High School still stands — though its library, where most of the victims were killed, was replaced.
In Texas, officials closed Robb Elementary in Uvalde after the 2022 shooting there and plan to demolish it.
___
Stengle contributed to this report from Dallas. Associated Press reporter Paul J. Weber contributed to this report from Austin.
veryGood! (223)
Related
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- In Japan, Ohtani’s ‘perfect person’ image could take a hit with firing of interpreter over gambling
- Fourth ex-Mississippi officer sentenced to 40 years for abusing and torturing two Black men
- Prosecutors say Donald Trump’s hush money trial should start April 15 without further delay
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- March Madness second round dates, times for 2024 NCAA Tournament
- As Ukraine aid languishes, 15 House members work on end run to approve funds
- We’re Calling It Now: Metallic Cowgirl Is the Trend of Summer
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Colorado extends Boise State's March Madness misery. Can Buffs go on NCAA Tournament run?
Ranking
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Explosive Jersey Shore Teaser Offers First Glimpse of Sammi and Ronnie Reunion
- U.K. food delivery driver who bit customer's thumb clean off over pizza dispute pleads guilty
- U.S. looks at Haiti evacuation options as Americans and Haitians hope to escape gang violence
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Willem Dafoe's 'naturally fly' Prada and Woolrich fit has the internet swooning
- Gavin Rossdale Details Shame Over Divorce From Gwen Stefani
- California voters approve Prop. 1, ballot measure aimed at tackling homeless crisis
Recommendation
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
Idaho manhunt enters day 2 for escaped violent felon, police ID ambush accomplice, shooter
Stock Up on Spring Cleaning Essentials in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Air Purifiers for 80% Off & More
Powerball numbers 3/20/24: Consider these trending numbers for the $750M Powerball drawing?
Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
How Europe’s regulatory with battle with Apple could signal what’s to come for American consumers
Beyoncé will receive the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards
Ancient chariot grave found at construction site for Intel facility in Germany