– Shooter entered Texas megachurch with young son
– Shooter used AR-style rifle in the attack.
By Trend News Line 2024-02-12 17:35:32.
Shooter with History of Mental Illness Opens Fire at Texas Megachurch
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, when a shooter opened fire before being killed by security officers. Authorities have identified the shooter as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old individual with a history of mental illness.
During an afternoon news conference, Houston police Commander Chris Hassig revealed that Moreno used an AR-style rifle in the attack, which critically injured their 7-year-old son. It was also noted that Moreno sometimes used male and female aliases, but investigators confirmed that Moreno identified as female.
Moreno’s history of mental illness was further highlighted by Hassig, who mentioned that Moreno had been placed under emergency detention in 2016. However, no additional details regarding the nature of the illness were provided.
As investigators continue to search for a motive, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner stated that a dispute involving Moreno and the family of Moreno’s ex-husband is being looked into. Additionally, antisemitic writings by the shooter were discovered during the investigation.
Hassig emphasized that Moreno acted alone and described them as a “lone wolf” who was not part of any larger group. Further evidence supporting this statement was the presence of a “Palestine” sticker on the buttstock of Moreno’s rifle.
During the attack, Moreno and their son entered the church building, where Moreno pointed a gun at an unarmed security guard and began firing. 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 ultimately killed Genesse Moreno.
The violence was contained in a church hallway, and none of it spilled into the main sanctuary. Hassig described the confrontation as a “gun battle” that lasted several minutes, highlighting the bravery and composure exhibited by the security guards.
While the investigation continues, the injured 7-year-old boy remains in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head. A 57-year-old man who was also injured in the shooting has been discharged from the hospital.
As the news of the shooting spread, worshippers at Lakewood Church were left terrified. Alan Guity, a church member since 1998, described the moment he heard the gunshots while resting inside the sanctuary. Guity and his mother took cover on the floor until the gunfire ceased.
Lakewood Church, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, is one of the largest megachurches in the United States, with a weekly attendance of 45,000 people. Osteen, a prominent figure in the prosperity gospel movement, was not present during the shooting.
The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and determine a motive. The community mourns the loss of life and hopes for a swift recovery for those injured.
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– Shooter Texas megachurch attack
– Police say shooter used AR-style rifle at Texas megachurch.