Anton Lamont "Tony" Wallace, a 64-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on December 29, 2019, in Fort Worth, Texas. Tony was a dedicated nurse and a deacon at the West Freeway Church of Christ. On that fateful day, he was serving communion at the church when a gunman opened fire during the service. Tony, along with another church member, Richard White, was killed in the shooting.
The gunman, identified as 43-year-old Keith Thomas Kinnunen, was fatally shot by Jack Wilson, the head of the church's security team, who returned fire to stop the attack.
The incident occurred in the suburb of White Settlement, where the West Freeway Church of Christ is located. The shooting took place during the Lord's Supper, a sacred moment in the church service. Tony Wallace was known for his strong faith and dedication to his family and nursing career. He had three loves in his life: God, his family, and nursing. His daughter, Sarah Wallace, and his sister, Tiffany Wallace, spoke at his funeral, highlighting his unwavering faith and the impact he had on their lives.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Keith Thomas Kinnunen had a history of criminal behavior and mental health issues. He had been arrested multiple times in the past for various offenses, including assault and weapons charges. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but it is believed that Kinnunen targeted the church due to its open-door policy and the presence of a security team.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the West Freeway Church of Christ community came together to mourn the loss of Tony Wallace and Richard White. The church held a memorial service to honor their lives and the sacrifices they made. The incident also sparked discussions about church security and the need for better mental health support for individuals with a history of violent behavior.
Tony Wallace's death was a significant loss to his family, friends, and the community. He was remembered as a compassionate nurse, a devoted family man, and a faithful servant of God. His legacy continues to inspire those who knew him, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, family, and community in the face of tragedy.
