The following is a video transcript.
A disguised criminal attending the church service suddenly pulled a shotgun from his coat and began firing.
Jack Wilson, the head of the church’s volunteer safety team, returned fire and killed the shooter. In a matter of seconds, Jack Wilson’s life was forever changed when the gunman opened fire at his church on December 29, 2019.
Jack Wilson, U.S. LawShield Member:
On any given Sunday, there’s anywhere from 15 to 25 blood family members there. That particular day there were 16, so my concern was for them having to witness that.
Law enforcement immediately was there, both White Settlement PD and Fort Worth PD, and then some Fort Worth Marshals actually showed up shortly after that. They did take my weapon and collected the subject’s shotgun also. I informed law enforcement that I would be contacting Texas LawShield. Richard Hayes, actually, was the one that answered the phone, and he immediately said that he would contact Ms. Reed and have her come over to the church building.
Katherine Reed, U.S. & Texas LawShield Independent Program Attorney:
When I got there, you could see that there were hundreds of law enforcement officers of all variety, local, federal. The area was blocked off for maybe about a quarter-mile. I made my way to a parking lot where I saw a few local officers and identified myself, said that I was the attorney for Mr. Wilson. At that point, I was escorted into the church and I was able to meet with Jack. Jack and I had a private room and were able to speak.
Jack Wilson:
The conversation with Ms. Reed was about the event: what occurred, how it occurred, how I’d been dealt with by law enforcement, how I was feeling, and making sure that I was doing okay from an emotional aspect of it. Then, basically, helping me in dealing in conversations with law enforcement and the FBI.
Katherine Reed:
The police and law enforcement—FBI, ATF—they had all reviewed a lot of that footage by that point. And it was really clear, very quickly, that Jack was a hero and what he did was completely justified.
It’s pretty standard that the police are going to take any firearm involved in any shooting. Whether it’s completely justified or not, they want to confirm that the firearm’s not involved in some other offense and that it doesn’t lead to any questions. With the federal government’s involvement, the FBI, the ATF, White Settlement, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, so at least four or five different agencies, it’s not uncommon for that to happen, where everybody wants their reports to be correct before they turn them in. But my understanding is that their plan is to go ahead and present the case, which would be standard at the Tarrant County level, so that a grand jury can make a determination that he was justified.
A case like this, with so many levels of law enforcement, it would not be uncommon for it to take 3 to 6 months for them to receive the case. Obviously, there is no statute of limitations for this type of offense if they thought Jack did anything wrong. And so, I think they’re probably not going to rush it.
Jack Wilson:
I don’t have any concerns about the delay in the process from Tarrant County DA’s Office, because it’s just going through the process. I think that’s fine because I’m comfortable with that. I’m comfortable with the events and how they went down, as far from a legal standpoint. We’ve had numerous conversations and contact since that time. Her making sure that I’m okay. Making sure that there’s not anything that she needs to do to assist dealing with the Tarrant County DA’s Office and making sure that everything is okay with them. Just basically supporting me and my efforts since the event.
Katherine Reed:
I think it’s clear that he was legally justified. I don’t think there’s any question from anybody. Just because he’s clear in the criminal case, doesn’t give him automatic protection in a civil suit. This is such an egregious example that I really can’t see somebody trying to sue Jack in this situation. I tell people all the time, anybody can sue anybody in the State of Texas, really across the country. And I know that LawShield, obviously, they will handle his civil defense stuff that comes up.
I think he just really was the perfect person for this situation because a lot of people probably would have hesitated, or would have been too emotional to do what needed to be done.
Jack Wilson:
The incident reaffirmed my concern that society as a whole has gone away from God, has gone away from moral stability, if you will. There are evil forces out there at all times, and whether it’s in church, whether it’s at the grocery store, Walmart, or anywhere else, there’s always that risk of someone attacking someone and possibly thrust into of trying to protect someone.
I continually carry every day. Basically, if I’m dressed, I’m carrying. I would not recommend people carry without some kind of legal coverage. You just never know when you may have to use your firearm. Texas LawShield is a complete package from the time of an incident, all the way through. There is no stopping point once you sign up with LawShield.
My name is Jack Wilson and I’m a proud member of U.S. & Texas LawShield.
Starting with Jack’s call to the 24/7/365 Attorney-Answered Emergency Hotline, U.S. & Texas LawShield’s Independent Program Attorneys responded quickly to support Jack directly at the scene.
Jack Wilson trusts U.S. LawShield. Now, it’s your turn. Join the family today and get access to our Independent Program Attorneys 24/7/365.
I went to a law shield meeting and my wife and i became members before we walked out the door. I am a veteran and i hope i never have to use them but it is piece of mind knowing they have our backs.
Did jack get his firearm back ?
I am happy to be a member and thankful that Jack is also a member and thanks to US Law Shield. My prayers go out to all those affected by this incident…..However I must agree with the others who have ask that you give up the music.
I am a proud T.L.S, member, I got my sister a weapon, She lives in Fla, I paid for her hand gun training, and while in Fla gave her some range time, When she passed her test for CCW License I also paid her first year for your great service, So my little sister is now in the best hands she can be in, She goes to the range 2 times a month and she loves her new sport of shooting, She makes me proud, as does your team, God Bless.
Well done Mr. Jack Wilson. Had to use them to straighten out a issue with my CWP. They was all over it quick and had it dealt with in like 48 hrs said and done. CWP returned immediately.
This article makes me glad I am a member. Just like my firearm, I pray that I never need it when I carry, and I pray that if I ever need it I will have it. Thank you for doing a good job.
I am a member, just because of the complicate and Crazy US laws. We have to pay the cost when trying to defend for yourself or for somebody else. Is it fair ? We all knew the answer!
I signed up for US/Texas Law Shield in 2015 during the break in my Texas LTC certification class. I have since increased my coverage to cover other methods of self defense. Read Jack’s story over and over, if you have to use your weapon this will happen to you.
I teach conceal carry in North Carolina, I found US Lawshield looking for better training and up to date information especially on laws, I ask them to come and speak at every class. Not only is it important to teach every student firearm safety, State and Federal laws but what to expect if they find themselves in a defensive situation. US Lawshield will be there for the firearm owner for just pennies a day, but that’s not all they do, they will be there from start to finish all the way through a civil suite if needed. I am more comfortable as a firearm owner and someone who carries everywhere knowing I have the access to attorneys 24/7 with just one phone call. This is just one of the many programs they offer benefiting law a biding gun owners wanting to expand their knowledge and protection. Thank you so much US Lawshield for all you are doing to defend us!
Gary Steeley
Kannapolis, NC.
Extraordinary situations sometimes occur to ordinary people: NY blackouts in 1977, LA race riots 1992, Katrina in Louisiana 2005, mass shooting of 26 at Texas Church in 2017, and now Jack Wilson at another church shooting in Texas are just a few. We never know when we may have to protect ourselves in extraordinary situations like these.
Then there are the ordinary situations that put our lives–or our loved ones–in danger.
I am glad to live in a country that has a right to self defense by firearm, in a state that recognizes this right, and with added protection of US Lawshield for those situations that may arise regardless.
Thank you for your article, and comments. Being a single, I sometimes wish I could add some extra security of my own. Good article.
I attended a fire arms training program that introduced us to US LawShield. I had just assumed that if I was justified in use of lethal force, then there should not be any legal issues. After learning more about the ordeal that Jack Wilson went through, I realized the need to be legally covered even in obvious proper use of a handgun. For a small cost, US LawShield will protect my rights, and cover my related legal issues – regardless… That is strong protection, and a wonderful commitment
I am so glad that my husband and I joined Texas LawShield and I advocate to everyone I know that carries to do the same.
I too was involved in an active shooter event at a big box store in Lenexa, Ks. I was covered by my legal defense plan by the FOP for my department. However, once shown the benefits offered by USLAWSHIELD, I immediately joined. I have been a member since early 2018! I will not carry without this superb legal defense plan!