Reports were being circulated that the Texas church shooter was a left-wing Antifa member, Devin Patrick Kelley (26), with military experience.
The man identified as the Sutherland Springs Texas shooter, responsible for the worst shooting massacre in Texan state history, was allegedly acting out on behalf of the previously promoted November 4th Resistance via Antifa.
The killer gunned down 26 people including young children, and injured at least 20 more in an attack on the Sutherland Springs Baptist Church, before he was found dead in his car.
Kelley was a former US Air Force member who served from 2010 to 2014, but was dishonorably discharged and court martialed in May 2014, CBS News learned. It also meant that he could no longer legally own weapons, as the Gun Control Act of 1968 explicitly prohibits licensed sellers from selling firearms or ammunition to persons who have “been discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions”.
According to eyewitnesses, Devin Kelley carried an Antifa flag and told the churchgoers “this is a communist revolution” before unloading on the congregation, reloading several times, but these reports could not be confirmed.
Law enforcement has refused to announce Kelley’s motive in the mass shooting. But Mike Cernovich, a self-described “American nationalist,” posted about the motive shortly after news of it broke.
“Mass shooting at The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, which has a largely white denomination,” Cernovich wrote. “Antifa terrorist attack?”
Cernovich repeated his allegations on Sunday evening, citing “photos” pointing to the gunman’s motive. “Photos of Texas shooter is consistent with profile of Antifa member,” Cernovich posted. “This is looking more and more like Antifa terror.”
Alex Jones, Infowars presenter also speculated that the shooter could have been an Antifa activist. “Was this part of the Antifa revolution against Christians and conservatives or a Isis op? [sic],” Jones tweeted on Sunday afternoon “Live from the church”.
Where is his ears? Or is this not the official photo released by media?#Texas pic.twitter.com/VUuqgK0iZ0
— Kambree Kawahine Koa (@KamVTV) November 6, 2017
Screenshots of his Facebook page, whose authenticity cannot be immediately confirmed, appear to feature an Antifascist Action banner, which sparked speculation online about his ties to the left-wing scene. According to ABC Kelley recently showed off an AR-15-style rifle on social media.
Kelley was wielding an assault rifle when he went on his shooting rampage in the church. Freeman Martin, the DPS Regional Director, said police discovered “multiple weapons” in his car.
US Federal authorities have been warning state and local officials since early 2016 that leftist extremists had become increasingly confrontational and dangerous. Antifa activities have been declared “domestic terrorist violence,” according to POLITICO.
President Trump has spoken to Texas Governor Greg Abbott, but made no reference to leftists. On Monday he said the Texas church shooting was caused by a “mental health problem,” and was not an issue related to firearms.
“Mental health is your problem here,” Trump said, noting that “based on preliminary reports” the shooter was deranged. “This isn’t a guns situation,” Trump said. “This is a mental health problem at the highest level. It’s a very, very sad event.”
