HOUSTON, Texas — A woman with a history of firearms offenses, including a previous arrest for weapons charges, opened fire with an AR-15 at the Lakewood Church in Houston, leaving two people injured before being killed.
Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, had a criminal record involving drugs and assault in addition to her weapons charges. She was arrested in April 2022 for possession of a weapon and pleaded guilty to the offense later that year, according to court records. Her rap sheet also includes charges relating to drugs and assault, demonstrating a pattern of criminal behavior.
The shooting occurred during a Spanish language service at the megachurch, where Moreno’s 7-year-old son was critically injured. The child’s grandmother shared on Facebook that he suffered a brain injury. Another man, 56, was also injured in the shooting.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner mentioned that Moreno’s mental health history had been documented and that her AR-15 had a Palestine sticker on it. However, investigators stated that they were not yet classifying the incident as a hate crime.
Pastor Joel Osteen, the leader of the congregation, expressed devastation over the incident and emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in the face of darkness.
This shocking event left many attendees fearing for their lives, with witnesses recounting the panic and chaos that ensued during the shooting. The size and popularity of the megachurch added to the urgency and intensity of the situation, as it is attended by an estimated 45,000 people weekly, making it the third-largest megachurch in the US.
The shooter’s history of criminality and the tragic aftermath of the shooting serve as a reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States, sparking debates and discussions about gun control and mental health in the country. The incident also highlights the vulnerability and potential danger faced by worshippers in sacred spaces, calling for increased security and preventive measures in places of worship nationwide.