Houston, Texas – Shocking bodycam footage was released on Monday showing a harrowing incident at Joel Osteen’s megachurch earlier this month.
The footage, captured by Houston police officers at Lakewood Church, depicts the chaotic scene as a female shooter opened fire, injuring a 57-year-old man and a seven-year-old boy believed to be her son. Officers can be seen running toward the gunfire as panicked individuals, including children, flee from the scene.
In the video, officers can be heard shouting commands at the suspect to drop her weapon, with one officer expressing concerns about a potential bomb. The shooter, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, is heard making threats to “blow up” the church.
Authorities later discovered no explosives in Moreno’s backpack. It is reported that she entered the church armed with an AR-15 rifle inscribed with the word “Palestine” before commencing the shooting during a Sunday service on February 11.
The incident escalated when two off-duty officers confronted Moreno in the church hallway, resulting in her being fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire. Sadly, her young son was struck in the head by a bullet and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Following the tragedy, the lead pastor, Joel Osteen, vowed that his congregation would pray for both the injured child and the deceased shooter. He reassured the community that they would remain steadfast and resilient in the face of adversity.
Authorities continue to investigate Moreno’s motive for the shooting, with findings of antisemitic writings and indications of a familial dispute with her ex-husband and his Jewish family leading investigators to suspect a possible connection. However, officials caution against premature speculation, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and in its early stages.
It was revealed that Moreno had legally purchased the AR-style rifle in December, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded at the Lakewood Church that fateful day.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement officials and FBI agents are diligently working to uncover the full extent of the circumstances surrounding the distressing incident.