FLORESVILLE, Texas – A judge on Monday ruled against extending a temporary restraining order against First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, which paves the way for demolition of the building.
A lawsuit that would prevent the demolition is still in place, but since the TRO is no longer in effect, the church can still be knocked down. The church is the site where 26 people were killed in a mass shooting in November 2017.
During the hearing, attorneys for the church said the court should not intervene with church matters.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued they wanted a revote that would allow people who were not allowed to vote three years ago to have another chance to express their opinions. The plaintiffs are not happy with the judge’s decision.
“No building, no lawsuit,” plaintiff Amber Holder said. “I have no hope in that building still standing by next week.”
Holder’s attorney Sam Fugate told KSAT 12 that while TRO wasn’t extended the hearing wasn’t a complete loss.
“Our case is still alive for now, and we’re going to keep going,” Fugate said.
KSAT tried to speak with the attorneys of the First Baptist Church, but they declined to comment. A scheduled date for demolition has not been given and the plaintiffs weren’t aware when it would happen.
In the past, KSAT has also tried talking with the church’s current pastor, but we have not heard back.
The plaintiffs are trying to figure out what will happen next in the process if they move their lawsuit forward.