By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 06:09:07.
Texas Megachurch Shooting: Mental Illness and Family Dispute Cited as Possible Motives
The recent shooting at a Texas megachurch has left the community in shock as authorities reveal disturbing details about the shooter and the tragic incident. According to Houston police, the shooter has been identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old individual with a history of mental illness. Moreno was armed with an AR-style rifle and had their young son with them during the attack.
The shooting took place at Lakewood Church, led by pastor Joel Osteen, in Houston. Worshippers were caught off guard as Moreno entered the church wearing a trench coat and carrying a backpack. The attack occurred between services, causing panic and chaos among those present.
Tragically, Moreno’s 7-year-old son was shot in the head during the incident and remains in critical condition. However, the child’s injuries were not caused by the off-duty officers who exchanged gunfire with Moreno. Church spokesman Don Iloff stated that Moreno was not a known member of Osteen’s congregation.
Investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting, but they are looking into a dispute involving Moreno and the family of Moreno’s ex-husband. Authorities have also discovered antisemitic writings by the shooter, suggesting a possible connection to Moreno’s former in-laws, who are Jewish.
Moreno’s history of mental illness, including a previous emergency detention in 2016, raises concerns about the availability of firearms to individuals with such conditions. Investigators are now looking into how Moreno obtained the AR-style rifle used in the attack.
During the shooting, off-duty Houston police officer Christopher Moreno and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Agent Adrian Herrera bravely returned fire, ultimately killing the shooter. The exchange of gunfire took place in a church hallway, and thankfully, no one in the main sanctuary was harmed.
The shooting has sparked discussions about church security and the need for increased measures to protect worshippers. Authorities have praised the security guards for their bravery and described them as a “wall” between worshippers and terror.
As the investigation continues, more details are emerging about Moreno’s troubled past. Court records show prior arrests and involvement in a divorce and child custody battle in 2022. The court documents also mention a contact made by Moreno’s ex-mother-in-law with pastoral staff at Lakewood Church during the custody dispute.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for stricter gun control measures. The community is left mourning the loss of innocent lives and praying for the recovery of Moreno’s young son..
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