A woman and her seven-year-old son opened fire at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, during a live-streamed service. Law enforcement agencies are investigating the motives behind the shooting, which occurred during a live-streamed service.
Photo Credits: Reuters
Details Unfold:
Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old, entered a Houston church with an AR-15 rifle, causing chaos in the hallway. Off-duty officers shot and killed Moreno, and no one else in the church died. Moreno's son and a 57-year-old man were injured, with the child in critical condition. Authorities are investigating how Moreno obtained the gun. The incident occurred on a Sunday at 1:55 p.m., with Moreno accompanied by a 7-year-old believed to be her biological son. Two off-duty officers shot Moreno in the megachurch's hallway, leading to her death. The child is critically injured, and the man has been discharged from the hospital.
Motive Remains Unclear:
While investigators found antisemitic writings and the word "Palestine" on the suspect's rifle, the motive behind the attack is still unclear. Police believe Moreno had a familial dispute with her ex-husband's family, some of whom are Jewish.
Church Leadership Reacts:
Pastor Jorge Basave, who conducted the live stream, initially remained despite the chaos, attempting to project calm. Lakewood Church, led by renowned televangelist Joel Osteen, was devastated by the incident. Moreno threatened to have a bomb, so officers searched her vehicle and backpack but found no explosives, according to police. On Sunday afternoon, they continued their search of the church, which has a seating capacity of over 16,000. Officers also reported that the shooter was spraying an unidentified substance, prompting them to contact the Houston Fire Department and hazmat units. Fire Chief Samuel Peña stated that they found "nothing of concern." He clarified on Monday that the substances were safe.
Security Response:
During the gun battle, security personnel, including an off-duty Houston police officer and a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agent, returned fire, ultimately neutralizing the attacker. The officers are being praised for their bravery. Law enforcement officials stated that it was too early to determine a possible motive. Moreno has gone by several aliases but has always been identified as a female who uses she and her pronouns, according to officers. Moreno has a history of mental health issues, and Harris County court records indicate that she has a criminal record dating back to 2005. It's unclear how she obtained the two guns, but Hassig claims the one she used at the church was legally purchased in December 2023.
Investigation Ongoing:
Investigators are looking into Moreno's connection to the church, considering her mother's attendance at Lakewood. There are indications that church staff may have been questioned during Moreno's contentious divorce and child custody proceedings.
Joel Osteen, the leader of Lakewood Church, acknowledged the community's devastation and praised law enforcement for their swift actions. Known for promoting the prosperity gospel, Osteen urged the community to hold onto faith in the face of darkness.
Our community is devastated by today’s events and grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement. May the healing hands of God touch the lives of everyone involved and provide comfort during this difficult time.
In the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and… pic.twitter.com/hAzOSSX69i— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) February 12, 2024
(With inputs from agencies)
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