Shooting at Texas Megachurch Leaves Woman Dead and Child Injured
A shooting at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston has left a woman dead and a child in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the incident that took place during an afternoon service. The shooter, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, opened fire before being killed by law enforcement officers. The motive for the shooting is still unknown.
Details of the Shooting
A woman entered Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church and opened fire, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The shooter, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers on the scene after pointing her weapon at them. Her 7-year-old son was shot in the head and remains in critical condition.
The shooting took place during an afternoon service at the popular Texas megachurch. The injured man, identified as Tom George Thomas, was shot in the leg but has since been released from the hospital. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
Response and Investigation
Joel Osteen, the televangelist and pastor of Lakewood Church, expressed his shock and gratitude that the incident did not occur during the main service. He commended the law enforcement officers who responded to the shooting.
Authorities are now investigating the shooting and trying to determine the motive behind the attack. Police have not shared any details about a possible motive. The officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Profile of the Shooter
Genesse Ivonne Moreno, the shooter, had a history of criminal charges and mental health problems. She had a string of minor offenses and was known to have a troubled past.
Moreno was involved in a bitter custody battle and had been under an order for emotional detention in 2016. She had a documented mental health history. Police believe that a family dispute between Moreno and her ex-husband's family, who are Jewish, may have been a contributing factor to the shooting.
Additional Threats and Investigation
Moreno also made threats that she had a bomb, but no explosives were found in her vehicle or backpack. She was spraying a substance on the ground, though the details of the substance have not been shared. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to ensure there are no additional risks or concerns.
Law enforcement officers searched Moreno's home in Conroe, Texas, and found yellow rope and substances consistent with the manufacture of explosive devices. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine if Moreno had any accomplices or connections to larger groups.
