Burnet, Texas – A quiet Sunday morning was shattered by a chilling incident at the EpiCenter Church in Burnet, Texas, where two armed men reportedly attempted to carry out a shooting. The attack, which could have led to unimaginable bloodshed, was narrowly avoided as the assailants fled the scene, triggering an extensive manhunt that has since captivated the region and drawn the attention of federal authorities. As law enforcement officers from multiple agencies race against time to track down the suspects, the community remains on edge, gripped by the fear of what could happen next.
On the morning of October 6, 2024, Burnet County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI responded to a distress call from the EpiCenter Church, located in the heart of Burnet, just northeast of Austin. Initial reports indicated that two men, armed with rifles outfitted with large magazines, entered the church during a Sunday service, intent on carrying out a violent act. Fortunately, swift action from church staff and members may have thwarted the suspects’ plan, as they fled the scene before any shots were fired. However, their escape has left the community shaken and law enforcement scrambling to prevent another potential attack.
As the details of the incident began to emerge, it was revealed that the suspects were last seen heading north on Highway 281 toward Lampasas, a small town approximately 30 miles away from Burnet. According to authorities, the men are believed to be targeting another church group, escalating concerns that this attempted shooting could be part of a larger, more organized plan. In response, the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office has launched a coordinated effort with local, state, and federal agencies to locate the suspects before they can strike again.
The suspects have been described as two dark-skinned males, both wearing white or off-white head dresses, and armed with large-magazine rifles. They were reportedly traveling in a white minivan, which was last spotted on Highway 281 near the outskirts of Burnet. The Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent plea to the public, asking anyone with information about the suspects or their whereabouts to come forward. Residents in the area, particularly those living along the Highway 281 corridor, have been urged to remain vigilant, keep their doors locked, and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
In an attempt to gather more evidence, the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office has requested any camera footage from local businesses, residences, or traffic cameras along the suspects’ potential escape route. Specifically, authorities are seeking video footage captured between 3 a.m. and 11 a.m. on October 6th from locations north of 2401 N US 281, in the hopes that it may provide crucial clues to the suspects’ current location or intended destination.
The gravity of the situation has not been lost on the local community, where fear and uncertainty have gripped the hearts of residents. The attempted attack at the EpiCenter Church is a stark reminder of the increasing threat of violence faced by religious institutions across the country. For many in Burnet, a town known for its close-knit community and small-town charm, the idea that their place of worship could become the target of a violent crime is both shocking and deeply unsettling.
The Burnet City Manager, who has been actively involved in coordinating the town’s response to the unfolding crisis, expressed his dismay at the recent events. “This is not something we ever expected to happen in Burnet,” he said in a statement. “Our community is strong, but this incident has rattled us to our core. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure that these individuals are brought to justice and that our town remains safe.”
In the wake of the attempted shooting, many churches and religious organizations in Burnet and surrounding areas have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of their congregations. Several churches in the region have announced that they will be temporarily closing their doors or implementing heightened security measures during services until the suspects are apprehended. The Texas Department of Public Safety has also issued a bulletin to all churches in the state, urging them to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
At the EpiCenter Church, where the attempted shooting took place, the congregation is still grappling with the trauma of the near-tragedy. Several witnesses have come forward to describe the moments leading up to the suspects’ arrival, recounting the panic and confusion that erupted as the armed men entered the church. One church member, who wished to remain anonymous, described the terrifying scene: “We were in the middle of the service when we saw these two men come in. They were carrying rifles, and for a moment, everything just stopped. People were frozen in fear. I don’t know how, but they turned around and left without firing a shot. We were so lucky, but I’m scared for what might happen next.”
Despite the overwhelming fear and anxiety in the aftermath of the incident, there is also a sense of gratitude that the situation did not escalate into a full-blown tragedy. Many church members have expressed their appreciation for the quick thinking of the church staff and law enforcement officers who responded to the scene. Pastor David Allen, who was leading the service at the time of the incident, praised the bravery of those who remained calm under pressure. “I don’t know why the suspects left without firing, but I believe it was a miracle,” Pastor Allen said. “We are all shaken, but we are also thankful that no lives were lost today. We will continue to pray for the safety of our community and for the swift capture of those responsible.”
As the search for the suspects continues, Burnet County law enforcement has ramped up patrols along Highway 281 and surrounding areas. Officers from neighboring Lampasas County and the Texas Rangers have also been deployed to assist in the manhunt. In a press briefing held late Sunday afternoon, Burnet County Sheriff Caleb Reynolds assured the public that law enforcement is doing everything in its power to apprehend the suspects. “We are working around the clock to locate these individuals and ensure that they are no longer a threat to our community,” Sheriff Reynolds said. “We ask that the public remain vigilant, report anything unusual, and trust that we are using every resource available to bring these men to justice.”
The involvement of the FBI in the investigation has raised questions about whether the attempted shooting at EpiCenter Church may have been part of a larger plot, possibly motivated by religious or ideological extremism. While authorities have not yet released any information about a potential motive, the fact that the suspects were allegedly targeting another church group has fueled speculation about their intentions. FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Jennifer Matthews, who is overseeing the federal aspect of the investigation, declined to comment on the specifics of the case but emphasized that all possible motives are being considered. “At this point, we cannot rule anything out,” Matthews said. “Our primary focus is on finding these individuals and preventing any further acts of violence.”
For the people of Burnet, the next few days will be critical as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to locate the suspects and protect the community from further harm. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly along Highway 281, and to stay updated on the latest developments through local news outlets and official law enforcement channels. While the search continues, the town of Burnet remains on high alert, its residents united in their determination to see justice served.
As night falls over Burnet, the sense of urgency grows. With the suspects still at large and the potential for another attack looming, the community is bracing for whatever comes next. But in the face of fear and uncertainty, the people of Burnet are also standing together—praying for safety, hoping for a swift resolution, and refusing to let the actions of two armed men tear apart the fabric of their community.
