By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 02:55:00.
Investigation Underway into Motives Behind Shooting at Pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston
Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the motives behind the tragic shooting that took place at Lakewood Church in Houston on Sunday. The church, which is home to one of the largest congregations in the nation, was targeted by a shooter identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno. Moreno, who was wearing a trench coat and carrying an AR-15-style rifle, was fatally shot by off-duty officers at the scene.
The incident occurred at 1:55 p.m. on Sunday when Moreno entered the church, accompanied by her 7-year-old son. She fired multiple rounds in a hallway of the megachurch before being confronted by the off-duty officers. Tragically, the child was also shot in the head and is currently in critical condition at Texas Children’s Hospital.
Authorities are still investigating how Moreno obtained the firearm, and they searched her vehicle and backpack for explosives after she made threats about having a bomb. However, no explosives were found. The Houston Fire Department and hazmat units were called in to investigate an unidentifiable substance that Moreno was spraying, but it was determined to be harmless.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Moreno’s residence in Conroe, located about 40 miles north of Houston. They recovered some anti-semitic writings belonging to Moreno and found that the rifle she used at the church had a sticker that said “Palestine.” Investigators believe that Moreno was involved in a domestic dispute with her ex-husband and his family, some of whom are Jewish.
Moreno has a history of mental health issues and a criminal record dating back to 2005. While it is unclear how she obtained the firearms, it has been revealed that the gun she used at the church was legally purchased in December of 2023.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has requested that the investigation consider whether the incident was a hate crime. The shooter entered the church just minutes before the start of the 2 p.m. Spanish-language service.
Governor Greg Abbott has offered state resources to support the Lakewood Church community, and he emphasized the importance of protecting places of worship.
Unfortunately, mass shootings in houses of worship have become all too common in recent years. The investigation into this tragic event will continue as law enforcement seeks to uncover the full details and motives behind the shooting..
– Houston police investigating motive woman killed opening fire Joel Osteen’s megachurch
– Houston police investigating motive woman killed opening fire Joel Osteen’s megachurch Columnists.