Woman Opens Fire at Texas Megachurch Before Being Fatally Shot by Security
In a tragic incident at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, a woman wearing a trench coat and accompanied by a child opened fire in a crowded congregation before being gunned down by security personnel. The woman, identified by police as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, was with her seven-year-old son, who was critically injured during the shootout.
Incident Details
The attack occurred as the church was live-streaming a service. Moreno, armed with an AR-15 rifle and a .22 caliber rifle (the latter not fired), opened fire inside the church’s hallway. She had “Palestine” written on the butt of her rifle, and investigators found antisemitic writings among her belongings. However, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.
A 57-year-old man was shot in the hip but has since been discharged from the hospital. Moreno’s son was shot in the head and is currently “fighting for his life,” according to police, though it remains unclear who fired the shot that injured him.
Security Response
The shooting prompted immediate action from off-duty security personnel present at the church. A 28-year-old Houston police officer and a 38-year-old agent from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), both hired as church security, returned fire. After a brief gun battle, Moreno was “neutralized” and pronounced dead at 2:07 PM local time.
Background on the Suspect
Officials revealed that Moreno had a history of mental health issues, having been placed under an emergency detention order in 2016. Public records also show a long history of arrests and convictions for assault, drug, and weapons charges. Moreno had used several aliases, including Jeffery Escalante, and was listed as both male and female in various official records. Police described her as a Hispanic female.
Possible Motive and Investigation
Authorities believe Moreno may have had a familial dispute with her ex-husband’s family, some of whom are Jewish. The connection to Lakewood Church is still being investigated, but local reports suggest that Moreno’s mother attended the church. Church staff might have been questioned during Moreno’s divorce and child custody proceedings, according to court records.
Heroic Actions of Security Personnel
TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly praised the bravery of the officers, describing their actions as the “personification of heroism and valor.” He emphasized that they served as a barrier between worshippers and potential harm, upholding the freedom of religion.
Pastor and Congregational Response
Pastor Jorge Basave, who continued the live stream service amid the chaos to project calm, later spoke to the Houston Chronicle about his concern over spreading fear. Lakewood Church, led by renowned televangelist Joel Osteen, is one of the largest congregations in the country, with 45,000 weekly attendees and many more watching online.
Community and Church Leadership’s Statement
Joel Osteen, the church’s lead pastor, expressed the community’s devastation and gratitude for the swift law enforcement response. He urged the congregation to hold onto their faith in the face of such darkness, reaffirming that “evil will not prevail.”
About Lakewood Church
Under Joel Osteen’s leadership, Lakewood Church has grown significantly, now accommodating 16,000 seats in a venue that once housed the Houston Rockets NBA team. Known for promoting the prosperity gospel, Osteen preaches that financial blessings are divine gifts, and he has authored numerous books on faith and wealth.
The incident at Lakewood Church underscores ongoing concerns about gun violence and the importance of security in places of worship. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath while holding onto hope and faith.
