In a shocking incident that unfolded at Lakewood Church, on 11th Feb 2024, the sprawling megachurch led by celebrity pastor Joel Osteen in Houston, a shooter disrupted the calm of a Sunday service, leaving worshippers in a state of terror.
The assailant, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, fired an AR-style rifle, triggering chaos that lasted only about four minutes but left lasting trauma for those present.
Authorities, searching Moreno’s home in Conroe, Texas, are facing the question of motive as the suspect’s connection to the megachurch remains unclear.
The shooting, which occurred between busy services, prompted a swift response from off-duty officers providing security at the church, resulting in Moreno’s death.
The released surveillance and body camera footage provides a chilling glimpse into the brief but intense attack. Worshippers scattered, seeking refuge in rooms and hallways, while officers, drawing their guns, took cover behind walls.
The footage also captures the haunting image of Moreno’s 7-year-old son covering his ears during the chaos, only to be later found wounded on the floor.
The video reveals a seemingly ordinary Sunday at one of the nation’s largest megachurches, with people chatting and standing around before the sudden eruption of gunshots.
Video Source: NBC News
Moreno, arriving in a white SUV with her son, made her way towards the church wearing a black shirt, striped pants, boots, and a loose-fitting tan-colored trench coat.
As the first gunshot echoed, confusion gripped the crowd, and rapid gunfire ensued. Off-duty police officers, armed and crouching, moved towards the source of the shots, embodying bravery in the face of danger.
The footage captures tense moments as officers cautiously approached, praying for guidance.
Moreno’s cries of “you killed my son” and threats of having a bomb further added to the pandemonium. Despite the turmoil, officers swiftly neutralized the threat, shooting Moreno multiple times within two minutes of her brandishing the AR-style rifle.
The video also documents an officer reporting Moreno’s demise and the discovery of something potentially strapped to her chest, prompting a bomb squad response, although no explosives were found.
Remarkably, from the onset of the shooting to Moreno’s fatal end, just about four minutes transpired, underscoring the rapid response by law enforcement.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner acknowledged the unsettling nature of the footage but emphasized that it is part of an active investigation. The motive behind Moreno’s actions and the source of her weapon remain unknown as investigators delve into the details.
In a hopeful update from the boy’s grandmother, Walli Carranza, posted on Facebook last week, Samuel, the wounded child, was reported to be breathing well on his own after undergoing six surgeries.
Despite the tragedy, the community awaits answers, seeking closure and understanding in the aftermath of the shocking events that unfolded within the sacred walls of Lakewood Church
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