By Trend News Line 2024-02-12 22:28:04.
Houston Shooting: Gunman at Texas Megachurch had History of Mental Illness and Used AR-Style Rifle
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, a shooter opened fire at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas on Sunday before being killed by security officers. Authorities have identified the perpetrator as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old individual who sometimes used both male and female aliases. Authorities have confirmed that Moreno identified as female.
During a news conference, Houston police Commander Chris Hassig revealed that Moreno had a history of mental illness, including being placed under emergency detention in 2016. However, no additional details about Moreno’s mental health were provided. Police Chief Troy Finner stated that it is still too early to determine the motive behind the shooting, but officials are investigating a dispute involving Moreno and the family of Moreno’s ex-husband. Investigators also discovered antisemitic writings by the shooter.
The weapon used in the attack was an AR-style rifle, which had a “Palestine” sticker on the buttstock, according to Hassig. He described Moreno as a “lone wolf” and stated that there is no evidence to suggest Moreno was acting as part of a larger group.
Authorities conducted a search of Moreno’s residence in Conroe, located approximately 40 miles north of Houston. The investigation revealed that Moreno entered the church building at 1:55 p.m. and began firing after pointing a gun at an unarmed security guard. Off-duty Houston police officer Christopher Moreno and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Agent Adrian Herrera, who were working as security guards inside the building, returned fire and fatally shot Genesse Moreno. The exchange of gunfire occurred in a church hallway and did not spill into the main sanctuary.
During the shooting, Moreno’s 7-year-old son, who was with them at the time, sustained critical injuries from a gunshot wound to the head. A 57-year-old man who was shot in the hip has been discharged from the hospital.
Lakewood Church is one of the largest megachurches in the United States, regularly attended by 45,000 people weekly. Pastor Joel Osteen, who took over leadership after his father’s passing in 1999, expressed gratitude that the shooting did not occur during the larger late Sunday morning service. The incident has left worshippers in a state of terror, with one member recounting the moment when gunshots rang out inside the sanctuary.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if the 7-year-old boy’s injuries were accidentally caused by one of the security officers. Although the shooter claimed there was a bomb, no explosives were found after a thorough search.
This tragic event has left the community in shock and highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues and implementing effective security measures to ensure the safety of worshippers in places of worship..
1. Shooter entered Texas megachurch with young son and used AR-style rifle in the attack, police say
2. Shooter entered Texas megachurch with young son and used AR-style rifle in the attack, according to police.