Sen. Cruz: ‘The Strength of the Sutherland Springs Community Resounds Across the World’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement commemorating the first anniversary of the horrific attack on the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, and the resilience and courage shown by the community in the face of evil:

“One year ago today, a madman took 26 innocent lives in an act of pure evil at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. The Lone Star State and every corner of our nation mourned the fallen and wept with the wounded.

“But the light of providence shone through dark clouds. We celebrated the heroism of Stephen Willeford and Johnnie Langendorff, who chased down and stopped the murderer. We prayed with the survivors, and their countrymen came together to offer aid and solace. We honored the strength and leadership of survivors like Pastor Frank Pomeroy, who lost his own daughter that terrible day, but summoned the grace and courage to comfort his congregation.

“The memorial tower of the new First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs will be a lasting home for the bell of the old church. When it rings out for future generations, it will make a joyful noise: one of remembrance, of victory, and of trust that a joy deeper than our understanding blooms in the midst of sorrow.

“It will be heard across Texas, across the world, and wherever people are gathered in worship.” 

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