By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 06:57:49.
Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old woman from El Salvador, has been identified as the suspect who opened fire at pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood church in Texas on Sunday, February 11, 2024. The incident took place during a Sunday afternoon service, when Moreno stormed into the church and began shooting worshippers with a long rifle. Two off-duty officers at the scene were able to neutralize the threat, but not before a 7-year-old child, identified as Moreno’s son, and a 57-year-old man were injured.
During a press conference held by the Houston police Department (HPD), it was revealed that Moreno had a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2005. Social media users had speculated that Moreno was transgender due to her use of both male and female names, but the HPD confirmed that she identified as a female. It was also reported that Moreno had been arrested at least six times for various crimes, including forgery, assault on a police officer, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. The HPD stated that Moreno had a documented mental health history and had been placed under an emergency detention order in 2016.
Authorities found “antisemitic writings” inside Moreno’s vehicle, but it is believed to be connected to her contentious relationship with her ex-husband’s family, some of whom identified as Jewish. The rifle used in the shooting had a Palestine sticker on it, and authorities are currently investigating its significance. The weapon has been identified as an AR-15, and a .22 caliber rifle was also found in Moreno’s possession.
Moreno’s ex-mother-in-law, Rabbi Walli Carranza, posted on Facebook, stating that her grandson, Samuel Moreno-Carranza, had suffered a gunshot wound to the brain and was in critical condition at Texas Children’s Hospital. Carranza attributed the shooting to Moreno’s severe mental illness and emphasized that it had nothing to do with religion. She criticized the child protective services for not removing her grandson from Moreno’s care despite her diagnosed mental illness.
The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, and the family is asking for privacy as they deal with this devastating tragedy..
1. Genesse Ivonne Moreno Lakewood Church shooter
2. Genesse Ivonne Moreno Joel Osteen Lakewood Church.