WASHINGTON D.C. (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The Justice Department announced Wednesday morning that it’s close to finalizing a settlement over the 2017 mass shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs that would pay $144.5 million to victims and their families.
More than two dozen people were killed when former Air Force member Devin Patrick Kelley stormed into the church and opened fire during Sunday service.
U.S. District Judge javier Rodriguez ruled the Air Force was 60% liable for the attack because it failed to submit Kelley’s assault conviction during his service time to the FBI’s background check system.
The conviction resulted in Kelley’s dismissal from the Air Force and should have barred him from buying the gun used in the attack.
“No words or amount of money can diminish the immense tragedy oft he mass shooting in Sutherland Springs,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “Today’s announcement brings the litigation to a close, ending a painful chapter for the victims of this unthinkable crime.”
The DOJ said the tentative settlements will resolve claims by more than 75 plaintiffs pending court approval.
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