– Shooter entered Texas megachurch with young son
– Used AR-style rifle in the attack, police say.
By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 02:55:48.
Shooter at Texas Megachurch had History of Mental Illness, Brought Son to Attack
Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, identified as shooter at Texas Megachurch
In a tragic incident that unfolded at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, worshippers were left scrambling for safety as a shooter opened fire during a service on Sunday. Authorities have identified the shooter as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old individual who had a history of mental illness. The shooter, who used both male and female aliases, entered the church wearing a trenchcoat and carrying a backpack.
The attack, which took place in between services at the megachurch led by Pastor Joel Osteen, resulted in an exchange of gunfire with two off-duty officers. Both officers, Houston police officer Christopher Moreno and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Agent Adrian Herrera, returned fire and killed the shooter. It was later revealed that Moreno had brought their 7-year-old son to the attack, who was unfortunately shot in the head and remained in critical condition.
Dispute and Antisemitic Writings
While investigators have not yet established a motive for the shooting, they are looking into a dispute involving Moreno and the family of Moreno’s ex-husband. Hassig, the Houston Police Commander, also noted that antisemitic writings were found by investigators, and Moreno’s rifle had a “Palestine” sticker on the buttstock. Moreno, described as a “lone wolf,” acted alone in carrying out the attack.
Past Arrests and Divorce Battle
Prior to the incident, Moreno had a troubled past with prior arrests and was involved in a divorce and child custody battle in 2022. Court records revealed that Moreno had been charged in six criminal cases from 2005 to 2011, including assault and theft. Moreno’s ex-mother-in-law alleged in court filings that Moreno was mentally ill and that the child was being neglected and abused.
Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen
Lakewood Church is one of the largest megachurches in the United States, regularly attended by 45,000 people weekly. Joel Osteen, who took over the leadership of the church after his father’s passing, is a leading promoter of the prosperity gospel. His televised services reach about 100 countries, and he is the author of several best-selling books. Osteen was present in the church during the shooting, but was on the first floor at the time.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, as authorities work to uncover more details about the shooter’s motives and how they obtained the firearms used in the attack.
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– Shooter Texas megachurch attack
– Police say shooter used AR-style rifle in Texas megachurch attack.