– Houston megachurch shooting
– New details emerge about Houston megachurch shooter.
By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 05:50:31.
Gunfire Erupts at Houston Megachurch, Leaving Two Injured and the Shooter dead
A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday at the renowned Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, as a 36-year-old mother opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, injuring two people, including her own 7-year-old son, before being killed by law enforcement. The shooter, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, confronted an unarmed security guard outside the church shortly before 2 p.m., revealing her weapon and forcing her way in, according to Houston police Chief Troy Finner.
Dressed in a trench coat and carrying a backpack, Moreno entered the converted sports arena between church services and began firing in a hallway with an AR-platform rifle, firing approximately 30 bullets, according to a federal law enforcement source. Fortunately, two off-duty officers, one from the Houston Police Department and the other from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, were present and engaged the shooter, fatally injuring her. Tragically, Moreno’s son was shot in the head and is currently in critical condition at a hospital.
The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, with investigators working to determine whether it was politically motivated or carried out by a mentally disturbed individual, according to a federal law enforcement source. Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s Houston office emphasized that they are in the early stages of the investigation and are focused on unraveling the shooter’s motives and how she obtained the weapon.
The incident at the Lakewood Church is yet another disturbing example of gun violence disrupting places that were once considered safe in America. Shootings have occurred at schools, grocery stores, outlet malls, hospitals, college campuses, and house parties, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive gun control measures.
As authorities continue their investigation, they are examining Moreno’s background and social media accounts to gain insight into her mindset. She had a history of mental health challenges and had been going through a bitter divorce, which may have played a role in the shooting. Additionally, police discovered antisemitic writings connected to the shooter.
Joel Osteen, the well-known televangelist and pastor of the Lakewood Church, expressed his devastation over the incident. Osteen’s services draw a massive congregation of 45,000 attendees each week, both in-person and through online and television sermons.
The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved..
1. “New details emerge about shooter at Houston megachurch”
2. “Houston megachurch shooting: Latest updates on shooter”.