A court-martialled former US Air Force airman armed with a powerful assault rifle sprayed bullets on worshippers at a Sunday service at a rural church in Texas, killing at least 26 people and injuring 20 others in the latest gun-related massacre to shock the country. The suspect wearing black tactical-style gear walked into the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs and started firing from an assault rifle just after the Sunday morning service began, officials said. The victims ranged in age from 5 to 72, and among the dead were several children, a pregnant woman and the pastor's 14-year-old daughter.

A candlelight vigil was observed following the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Sunday. Pics/AFP