Houston, Texas – Houston police released chilling bodycam and surveillance footage on Monday, showcasing the fatal shooting of Genessee Moreno at Lakewood Church earlier this month. The videos captured the chaotic scene as Moreno entered the church and began firing an AR-style rifle before being shot dead.
The released footage, which depicted the events of the Feb. 11 shooting, showcased the terror that unfolded as parishioners scrambled for safety, officers took cover and the shooter’s 7-year-old son was injured. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the shooting or confirm who shot Moreno’s son, who remains in critical condition.
In the video, officers can be heard shouting at Moreno to put down her weapon, with concerns raised about the possibility of a bomb. The footage captured the intense moments of the gun battle, punctuated by bursts of gunfire.
Upon entering Lakewood Church, Moreno attempted to access the sanctuary but found it locked. Off-duty HPD Officer C. Moreno and TABC agent Adrian Herrera engaged in gunfire with Moreno, resulting in her being shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene. Another individual, a 57-year-old man, was wounded but later released from the hospital.
Despite Moreno’s threats to blow up the church, no explosives were found during a search of the premises. In response to criticism over officers’ actions during the shooting, experts highlighted the complex and challenging nature of such situations, emphasizing the need for swift decision-making and a focus on neutralizing threats.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the released videos provide a glimpse into the harrowing ordeal that unfolded at Lakewood Church, leaving a community shaken and grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy.