The Justice Department announced Wednesday it has reached a $144 million agreement in principle to settle civil cases stemming from a 2017 mass shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, which left 26 dead.
Officials said the settlements will resolve claims from more than 75 plaintiffs, who alleged "the Air Force was negligent when it failed to transmit to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System information about the shooter that would have prevented him from purchasing guns from a federally licensed firearms dealer."
The gunman in the November 2017 attack, Devin Patrick Kelly, served in the Air Force.
"No words or amount of money can diminish the immense tragedy of the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs," said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. "Today’s announcement brings the litigation to a close, ending a painful chapter for the victims of this unthinkable crime."
FILE - Tabitha and Jalaina embrace next to Brad and Jacera as they listen to dozens of people standing in the rain pray and sing together at the memorial crosses near the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church one week after 26 people were killed inside in Sutherland Springs, Texas on November 12, 2017. The family, who withheld their last name, came from North Carolina to support the community. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this report.