US gunman identified as discharged airman

The Pentagon has confirmed that the suspect of a mass shooting at a Texas church previously served in the Air Force and had been discharged for allegedly assaulting his spouse and child.

In a brief statement, the Pentagon on Sunday said Devin Kelley was an airman "at one point," but gave no additional details about his time in the Air Force.

Air Force spokesperson Ann Stefanek said Sunday that Devin Kelley served 12 months' confinement after a 2012 court-martial. He ultimately received a bad conduct discharge and reduction in rank.

The suspect, wearing all black and a ballistic vest, shot dead 26 people inside and outside a church in Sutherland Springs, about 300 km west of Houston, Texas.

The white male, reportedly in his early 20s, on Sunday fired outside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural community of about 400 people, 50 km southeast of San Antonio, and then entered the building and continued to spray bullets with a Ruger AR assault-type rifle.

He was seen at a nearby gas station at about 11:20 a.m. (1720 GMT) Sunday. A witness said the suspect crossed the street to the church, exited his vehicle and shot his rifle at the church. "The suspect entered the church and continued to fire," the witness said.

At Sunday's press conference, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott disclosed more details, saying that "as he left the church, a local resident grabbed his rifle and engaged with the suspect," adding the suspect dropped his rifle and left the church.

He added that investigation has been going on with the help of local police, the FBI and other departments.

For now, at least eight injured are being treated at University Hospital in San Antonio, spokeswoman Leni Kirkman said, adding the hospital may receive more patients.

The people injured in the shooting are aged between five and 72, Regional Director at Texas Department of Public Safety Freeman Martin said on Monday.