Shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church leaves 2 injured, including child, and raises questions about motive
On a quiet Sunday afternoon, tragedy struck at the Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. A 36-year-old mother, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, injuring two people, including her own 7-year-old son, before being killed by law enforcement. The incident has left investigators puzzled as they try to determine the motive behind this shocking act of violence.
According to Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, the shooter confronted an unarmed security guard outside the church, possibly revealing her weapon and forcing her way in. Wearing a trench coat and backpack, she entered the converted sports arena between church services and unleashed a hail of bullets in a hallway. Christopher Hassig, commander of the Houston Police homicide division, revealed that she fired approximately 30 bullets from an AR-platform rifle.
Fortunately, two off-duty officers were present at the church and bravely engaged the shooter. A 28-year-old officer from the Houston Police Department and a 38-year-old agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, both with less than five years of service, managed to fatally hit Moreno. However, during the chaos, her 7-year-old son was shot in the head and is currently in critical condition at a hospital. It remains unclear who fired the shot that wounded the child.
The motive behind this horrific incident remains a mystery. Moreno had a lengthy criminal history and was going through a bitter divorce. Investigators are now trying to determine whether the shooting was politically motivated or carried out by a mentally disturbed individual. Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s Houston office emphasized that they are still in the early stages of the investigation and are eager to uncover the motive.
This tragic shooting highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence that continues to disrupt American life. Places that were once considered safe, such as places of worship, schools, grocery stores, and hospitals, have all been targeted. It serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address this pervasive problem.
Authorities have since searched Moreno’s home in Conroe, located about 50 miles north of Lakewood Church. The US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives reported that the shooter claimed to have a bomb at the scene, and substances consistent with the manufacture of explosive devices were found in her possession. Further investigation is underway to understand the full extent of her intentions.
The weapon used by Moreno, an AR-15 rifle, had a “Palestine” sticker on it. She legally purchased the firearm in December and also had a .22 caliber weapon in her bag, although it was not used during the attack.
As the nation grapples with yet another devastating act of gun violence, the focus now turns to healing and supporting the victims and their families. The Lakewood Church shooting serves as a somber reminder that our society must address the root causes of such tragedies while working towards a safer future for all.
