Surveillance footage recently released by Houston police has revealed the horrifying events that unfolded during a shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston on February 11. The footage, which includes both surveillance video and police body camera footage, captures the chaos and terror that ensued during the four-minute attack.
The video depicts the panic and confusion that gripped the parishioners as they scattered and desperately searched for safety in various rooms and hallways of the church. Officers can be seen drawing their guns and taking cover behind walls, attempting to neutralize the threat. In the midst of the chaos, the shooter’s 7-year-old son is seen covering his ears before being shot and wounded moments later.
The motive behind the shooting and the identity of the person responsible for injuring the shooter’s son remain unknown. The woman entered the church between Sunday services and began firing an AR-style rifle. However, she did not manage to reach the main sanctuary and was ultimately killed in an exchange of gunfire with two off-duty officers. Another man was also injured during the incident.
According to the security footage from Lakewood Church, everything appeared to be normal just minutes before the attack. People were engaged in casual conversations in the hallways outside the venue, which can accommodate nearly 16,000 people. The video shows the shooter arriving at the church in a white SUV with her son, Samuel. She is dressed in a black shirt, striped pants, boots, and a loose-fitting tan-colored trench coat.
Suddenly, the tranquility is shattered by the sound of the first gunshot, causing bystanders to jolt in confusion. Rapid gunfire ensues, prompting people to run for cover in rooms and hallways. Off-duty police officers can be seen crouching with their handguns drawn as they bravely move toward the source of the shots. They are heard praying for protection as they approach.
The footage captures the harrowing sound of gunshots echoing throughout the church as officers close in on the shooter. Additional security footage without sound reveals the young boy, Samuel, seeking refuge in a recessed doorway, covering his ears after his mother walks off screen. He reaches out to her as she returns briefly before walking away again. The boy appears to follow her. In the midst of the chaos, the shooter can be heard saying, “you killed my son” and later claiming to have a bomb.
The video also shows images of the wounded child, with his face blurred, lying on the carpeted hallway. Multiple officers urgently call for paramedics upon seeing the critically injured boy. One officer reports over the radio that the child has been struck by three bullets to his head. Another officer kneels and prays as she approaches the young victim, asking for divine intervention.
The Houston police have yet to disclose who fired the shots that wounded the child. In another section of the church, the shooter is seen walking down a hallway, pointing her AR-style rifle. Within a matter of minutes, she is shot multiple times and collapses to the ground before being approached by officers. One officer reports over the radio that the shooter appears to have something strapped to her chest, prompting a request for the bomb squad. However, no explosives were ultimately found.
From the start of the shooting to the moment when officers confirmed that the shooter had been fatally shot, approximately four minutes had elapsed, according to the released footage. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner acknowledged that the video may be unsettling to members of the community but emphasized that it is part of an active investigation. Authorities are still working diligently with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly examine all aspects of the incident.
The motive behind the shooting and how the shooter obtained the AR-style rifle remain under investigation. Meanwhile, updates from Samuel’s grandmother, Walli Carranza, indicate that he is breathing well on his own after undergoing six surgeries. However, the long-term impact on his life and whether he will be able to lead a normal life remains uncertain. Despite the tragedy, there is a glimmer of hope as Samuel looked up at his grandmother and smiled, offering a small moment of relief amidst the difficult circumstances.
The release of this surveillance footage serves as a reminder of the terror that can strike even within the walls of a place of worship. It underscores the importance of remaining vigilant and prioritizing the safety and security of all individuals, regardless of their location. As investigations continue, our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families who have been affected by this tragic event.
This article was written based on information obtained from surveillance footage and police body camera footage released by Houston police. The events occurred at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston on February 11.
