On the afternoon of February 11, 2024, a sad incident happened at the Lakewood Church, a Texas evangelical megachurch. A female shooter entered the church, wielding a long gun. She lost her life in the incident, and a child who accompanied her is currently in critical condition.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner revealed that off-duty law enforcement officers challenged the female shooter shortly after she entered the premises. The incident occurred just before 2 p.m. during the transitional phase between the church’s English and Spanish-speaking services.
The armed woman fired several rounds within the church, indicating a bomb blast. In response, law enforcement exchanged gunfire, resulting in the female shooter’s death. Sadly, a 5-year-old boy with her bore the brunt of the violence, sustaining injuries in the crossfire.
Authorities have yet to disclose the nature of the child’s relationship with the female shooter. However, the boy is reportedly receiving urgent medical attention at a children’s hospital. Also, a 56-year-old man attending the church suffered a gunshot wound to the hip, according to city fire officials.
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The gunfire created a wave of panic within the nondenominational church, serving as the global ministry hub for Joel Osteen. With nearly 45,000 weekly worshippers and reaching over 100 countries via broadcasts, it’s one of the nation’s megachurches.
Witnesses recounted the chaos as they hid themselves inside closets and behind pillars to protect themselves from the female shooter. A live stream of the church service on YouTube captured the incident, disrupting the announcements delivered in Spanish.
Following the incident, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner clarified that the situation involved only one shooter. During a news conference on February 11, Osteen stated that he didn’t understand why such acts occurred but believed that “God is in control.”
Despite being a source of inspiration for many, Osteen’s approach has initiated controversies among certain parts of the Christian community. Critics point out his silence on topics discussed by some denominations, including sin and doctrine.
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According to the warrant executed on February 12, 2024, officials identified the female shooter as 36-year-old Genesse Moreno. Furthermore, the record reveals a criminal history for Moreno, including fraud, assault, and drug offenses.
Officials reported that the female shooter wore a trench coat and carried a backpack when she entered the church premises. Finner revealed that she sprayed a substance on entering the west side building. The spraying made authorities sweep the downtown structure, which was initially a basketball court.
Moreover, a bomb-detecting robot was used to inspect the white vehicle Moreno drove. In connection with the shooting, officers from several agencies carried out a search warrant. The search happened at a residence approximately 50 miles north of Houston early Monday.
Mike Holley, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, reported the reason for the search. He noted that it was to discover evidence linked to assault, use of a hoax bomb, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
As the investigation continues, Lakewood Church will not conduct in-person services. Moreover, Finner urged the community to pray for the injured child.
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