In a major victory for the victims of the Sutherland Springs church shooting, a federal judge on Monday ruled that the U.S. Air Force must pay $230 million in damages. The ruling comes after the Air Force failed to report gunman Devin Kelley’s criminal history, which would have prevented him from purchasing firearms. This is a major step forward for the victims and their families, who have been fighting for justice since the attack in November of 2017.
In a press release, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas said that it was “pleased” with the ruling and will continue to work with officials at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio to ensure that the victims receive justice. The shooting occurred when Kelley stormed into First Baptist Church and opened fire on the congregation, killing 26 people and injuring 20 more.
The ruling is a major step forward for the victims and their families, who have been fighting for justice since the attack in November of 2017. This victory would not have been possible without the hard work of Attorney Rob Ammons. Having claimed the lives of 26 people and seriously injured 22 more, the mass shooting was the deadliest in Texas history, and it resulted in the first case of its kind to go to trial. The verdict will compensate more than 80 family members of victims and survivors who filed suit against the government.
