1. Shooter Texas megachurch attack
2. Shooter AR-style rifle attack.
By Trend News Line 2024-02-13 05:30:00.
Houston Shooting: Gunman with History of Mental Illness Attacks Texas Megachurch
In a shocking incident that unfolded on Sunday, a gunman opened fire at a megachurch in Houston, Texas. The shooter, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, entered Lakewood Church carrying an AR-style rifle and wearing a trenchcoat. The church, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, was in the midst of services when the attack occurred.
Authorities have revealed that Moreno had a history of mental illness and had brought her young son to the attack. Tragically, the 7-year-old boy was shot in the head and remains in critical condition. Moreno was killed in an exchange of gunfire with two off-duty officers who were present at the church.
According to Houston police Commander Chris Hassig, Moreno used both male and female aliases, but past police reports indicated that Moreno identified as female. Investigators are now looking into a possible dispute involving Moreno and the family of her ex-husband as a potential motive for the attack.
Antisemitic writings were discovered by investigators, and Moreno’s rifle had a “Palestine” sticker on the buttstock. Police described Moreno as a “lone wolf” who acted alone. A search of Moreno’s residence in Conroe, a city north of Houston, was conducted, but no further details have been released.
It was also revealed that Moreno had legally purchased the rifle used in the attack in December. Authorities are now investigating how she obtained it. Moreno also carried a .22 caliber rifle into the church.
The off-duty officers, Christopher Moreno and Adrian Herrera, bravely returned fire and managed to neutralize the threat. Fortunately, the violence did not spill into the main sanctuary, and worshippers were able to find safety.
Lakewood Church, with a weekly attendance of 45,000 people, is the third-largest megachurch in the United States. Pastor Joel Osteen was inside the church at the time of the shooting but on a different floor. He expressed gratitude that the incident did not occur during the larger Sunday morning service.
The investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing. The tragedy has shaken the community, and the thoughts and prayers of many are with the victims and their families during this difficult time..
– Shooter entered Texas megachurch with young son
– Police say shooter used AR-style rifle in the attack at Texas megachurch.