shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch, Joel Osteen’s megachurch shooting.
By Trend News Line 2024-02-12 20:45:22.
Motive of Shootout in Joel Osteen’s Megachurch Still Unclear as Investigation Continues
Houston, AP – Authorities are still searching for answers as they investigate the motive behind a shooting that took place in celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch on Sunday. The shooter, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, entered Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, armed with an AR-style rifle, causing panic amongst the worshippers. Two off-duty officers, who were working security at the church, confronted the shooter and exchanged fire, resulting in Moreno’s death.
The incident left two other individuals injured, including the shooter’s young son, who entered the church with them. The 7-year-old boy, initially reported as 5 years old, sustained a gunshot wound to the head and is currently in critical condition. Authorities have not yet determined how the child was struck by gunfire.
The shooting unfolded just before 2 p.m. on Sunday, during a time when many people were preparing to watch the Super Bowl. The sound of gunshots inside the massive church, formerly the home of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, sent worshippers into a state of panic. Houston police Chief Troy Finner stated that the shooter entered the church wearing a trench coat and armed with a long rifle.
Prior to being shot and killed by the off-duty officers, the suspect claimed to have a bomb and possessed materials consistent with the manufacture of explosive devices. However, a search of the area revealed no explosives.
Amidst the chaos, worshippers inside the church sought shelter and prayed for their safety. Alan Guity, a long-time member of the church, described the terrifying moment when the gunshots rang out. He and his mother lay flat on the floor, praying for about five minutes until they were given the all-clear to leave. Outside, they saw people crying and searching for their loved ones.
Joel Osteen, the pastor of Lakewood Church, has led the congregation since his father’s passing in 1999. The church has grown exponentially under his leadership and currently attracts 45,000 worshippers weekly, making it one of the largest megachurches in the United States. Osteen is known for preaching the prosperity gospel, which emphasizes financial and physical well-being for believers.
As authorities continue their investigation into the motive behind this tragic incident, the congregation and the community as a whole are left grappling with the aftermath..
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