HOUSTON, TEXAS – A shooting at the popular Texas megachurch, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, on Sunday has left the congregation and community shaken. The incident, which occurred between services, resulted in the tragic death of the shooter who entered the church with her 7-year-old son, opening fire and injuring two individuals. The child is currently in critical condition, and another man was injured.
The shooter has been identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, a 36-year-old woman who entered the church wearing a trench coat and backpack before she began shooting. She was confronted and ultimately shot and killed by off-duty police officers who were present at the scene, acting in self-defense.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities are investigating the incident to determine whether the shooter was politically motivated or acting as a disturbed individual. This tragic event adds to the growing concern of gun violence impacting places of worship, schools, grocery stores, hospitals, and other once-considered safe spaces across the United States.
Further information revealed that Moreno had a history of mental health challenges, a bitter custody battle, and a string of arrests for minor offenses. Additionally, police found antisemitic writings connected to the shooter, implying a possible family dispute and indicating the complexity of the situation.
Despite initial reports of a bomb threat, authorities found no explosives in the shooter’s possession and continue to investigate her background and potential motives. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has offered full state support and resources to assist the affected community during this difficult time.
The witnesses’ accounts provide a chilling perspective on the unfolding events, as they heard the erratic sounds of shots and saw people screaming and running in the church. One witness described the sound as something like “folding tables being dismantled and dropped to the floor,” adding to the frightening atmosphere during the shooting.
This devastating incident at Lakewood Church serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing impact of gun violence in the United States and the need for continued efforts to address its root causes and prevent future tragedies.