The shooting incident at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, occurred when a woman, estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, entered the church accompanied by a child and began firing on Sunday before 2 p.m.
The woman was armed with a long gun and a backpack. Luckily, two off-duty law enforcement officers, one from the Houston Police Department and the other from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission engaged the shooter and she was subsequently struck and killed.
The child accompanying the shooter was also hit during the shooting and was hospitalized in critical condition.
The shooter also threatened that she had a bomb, but authorities found no explosives in her vehicle or backpack.
The incident caused panic and chaos among the congregation and the neighborhood, with witnesses describing the sound of shots and people screaming.
One man was injured on the leg during the shooting and sought treatment at a local hospital.
Both officers who engaged with the shooter will be placed on administrative duty pending the investigation, as per protocol.
Authorities have not shared details about a possible motive for the shooting or the relationship between the woman and the child accompanying her.
The incident is under investigation, and authorities do not believe there is any further danger to the public, considering it to be an isolated incident.
Joel Osteen shared on Twitter a message of hope following the event;
Our community is devastated by today’s events and grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement. May the healing hands of God touch the lives of everyone involved and provide comfort during this difficult time.
In the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and… pic.twitter.com/hAzOSSX69i— Joel Osteen (@JoelOsteen) February 12, 2024
