Robert Michael Corrigan, a 51-year-old retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, was tragically killed on November 5, 2017, during the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. He and his wife, Shani, were among the 26 victims who lost their lives in the attack. The shooter, Devin Patrick Kelley, a former airman, opened fire during the church service, resulting in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Texas history.
Kelley had a history of domestic violence
and had been court-martialed by the Air Force in 2012 for assaulting his wife and fracturing his stepson's skull. Despite this, the Air Force failed to report Kelley's criminal history to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System , which allowed him to purchase firearms. After the shooting, Kelley fled the scene in his vehicle but was later involved in a high-speed chase with police, during which he was shot and killed.
The aftermath of the shooting led to multiple investigations and litigations. The Department of Defense Inspector General launched an investigation into the Air Force's failure to report Kelley's criminal history. Additionally, several lawsuits were filed against the U.S. government by survivors and families of the victims, alleging negligence in the handling of Kelley's records. The lawsuits sought damages for the harm caused by the shooting and the failure to prevent Kelley from purchasing firearms.
The Sutherland Springs church shooting had a profound impact on the community and the nation, leading to calls for stricter gun control measures and improvements in the reporting of criminal records to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The victims, including Robert Michael Corrigan, are remembered for their lives and contributions to their families and communities.
