In a tragic incident at West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas, a gunman opened fire during a livestreamed Sunday service on December 29, 2019, resulting in two fatalities. Law enforcement identified the shooter as Keith Thomas Kinnunen. The attack was swiftly stopped by armed parishioners who fired back, killing the assailant.
The shooter, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt, was among the 240 congregants. Standing up from a back pew, he pulled out a shotgun and began firing. Two church members, Anton Wallace and Richard White, lost their lives, while a member of the church’s security team neutralized the attacker within six seconds.
Keith Thomas Kinnunen had a troubled history, having been arrested multiple times in the past for offenses such as unpaid traffic tickets and unlawful possession of a weapon. The FBI is working to determine the motive behind the attack. Kinnunen’s sister, Amy Kinnunen, acknowledged her brother as the shooter and highlighted his difficult childhood.
The incident showcased the swift response of armed parishioners, a result of Texas gun laws allowing licensed guns in places of worship. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick commended the state’s gun laws and praised the immediate action of the security force, preventing further loss of life. Despite the tragic outcome, the community mourns the loss of Anton Wallace and Richard White and acknowledges the potential severity of the incident if not for the quick response.
