Shooting Incident at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church Leaves Two Injured
Investigators Try to Determine Motive Behind Houston Church Shooting
Authorities are still investigating the motive of a shooting incident at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred on Sunday when a 36-year-old mother, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, injuring two individuals before being fatally shot by law enforcement officers. The injured included her 7-year-old son, who is in critical condition. The shooting took place between church services, leading to widespread panic and chaos.
Confrontation with Security Guard and Entry into Church
The shooting incident began when Moreno confronted a security guard outside the Lakewood Church, revealing her weapon and forcibly entering the premises. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said the security guard was unarmed and could do nothing to prevent her from entering. Moreno, wearing a trench coat and backpack, proceeded to open fire in a hallway of the converted sports arena using an AR-platform rifle.
Law Enforcement Officers Engage the Shooter
Two off-duty officers, one from the Houston Police Department and the other from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, engaged the shooter after hearing the gunfire. Both officers, who had less than five years of service, took immediate action and fatally shot Moreno. The police chief praised their courage and quick response, which prevented further harm to the churchgoers. However, the investigation is ongoing to determine who fired the shot that injured Moreno’s son.
Motive and Background of the Shooter
The shooting incident has left investigators puzzled as they attempt to determine the motive behind the attack. Moreno had a lengthy criminal history and was in the midst of a bitter divorce. Investigators are exploring whether the incident was politically motivated or carried out by a mentally disturbed individual. Federal authorities are executing search warrants to gather more information about the shooter’s identity, motive, social media activities, and any other relevant evidence.
History of Mental Health and Anti-Semitic Writings
Police revealed that Moreno had a history of mental health issues and had expressed anti-Semitic sentiments. Authorities discovered antisemitic writings connected to the shooter, suggesting a possible link to a family dispute between Moreno and her ex-husband’s family, some of whom are Jewish. The shooter’s complicated history and conflicting motives have presented a challenge for authorities to establish a clear motive behind the incident.
Response from Joel Osteen and Congregation
Joel Osteen, the popular televangelist and pastor of Lakewood Church, expressed his devastation at the incident and his concern for the safety of the congregation. Lakewood Church has been a hub of worship for over six decades, attracting a large following from around the nation. Osteen was greeting people following the service when the shooting began, and he urged the congregation to remain resilient and united during this difficult time.
Please note that this article has been created based on available information, and the investigation is still ongoing. Further updates will be provided as more details emerge.
