A gunman who opened fire inside the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement on Sunday was shot dead within seconds when the head of church security, Jack Wilson, swiftly drew his sidearm and fired a single shot across the sanctuary; the shot appeared to have killed the murderer instantly.
The shooting, which lasted only a matter of six seconds, tragically claimed the lives of two parishioners when the gunman suddenly opened fire with a shotgun before Wilson heroically shot him.
Wilson, who is currently running for public office in the Republican primary election for Hood County Commissioner Precinct 3, boasts a campaign slogan that rings even more true after the weekend’s events: “Your vote is on target.”
According to his campaign Facebook page, Wilson served in the Army National Guard, served as a reserve deputy for the Hood County Sheriff’s Office, is a license-to-carry instructor, and trains state law enforcement as a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement instructor.
A resident of Granbury for 42 years, the 71-year-old Republican is a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and has a long list of campaign platform issues that includes supporting law enforcement, honesty, transparency, and empowering the public through civic engagement.
Wilson thanked the community for their prayers and support after Sunday’s shooting in a statement online:
I just want to thank all who have sent their prayers and comments on the events of today. The events at West Freeway Church of Christ put me in a position that I would hope no one would have to be in, but evil exists and I had to take out an active shooter in church. I’m thankful to GOD that I have been blessed with the ability and desire to serve him in the role of head of security at the church. I am very sad in the loss of two dear friends and brothers in CHRIST, but evil does exist in this world and I and other members are not going to allow evil to succeed. Please pray for all the members and their families in this time. Thank you for your prayers and understanding.
Wilson faces three opponents in the race for the Republican nomination for the Precinct 3 Hood County Commissioner position. The candidates include Jacque Gordon, Terry Stamper, and most notably State Rep. Mike Lang (R–Granbury), who bounced back and forth between keeping his current legislative post and running for the commissioners court before finally deciding to run for commissioner.
