Houston, Texas – New footage released by the Houston Police Department unveils the chaotic four minutes when a woman opened fire at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church before being shot and killed by off-duty officers. The 26-minute video captures the harrowing event that unfolded on a regular Sunday afternoon, resulting in the death of the shooter, Genesse Moreno, and leaving her 7-year-old son critically wounded. Additionally, a 57-year-old man sustained injuries during the incident. Surveillance footage from inside the church, as well as body cameras worn by officers, depicts churchgoers fleeing in panic as authorities confronted the shooter amid bursts of gunfire.
Video evidence reveals Moreno pulling her son, Samuel, out of a white SUV before approaching the church wearing a tan trench coat and a backpack. As chaos erupted following the first gunshot, attendees and officers present at the church were seen chatting before the sudden commotion. Despite the terrifying situation, officers attempted to address the shooter while seeking protection from the escalating gunfire. Samuel was captured seeking refuge in a doorway, covering his ears as the mayhem unfolded.
In the midst of the chaos, Moreno made alarming threats of having a bomb and causing destruction. Following an exchange of gunfire between the shooter and two officers, Moreno was eventually brought down, leaving officers to address her son’s critical condition at the scene. The police later conducted searches on Moreno’s belongings, including her car and backpack, to ensure safety from any potential explosives – which turned out to be negative.
As the investigation into Moreno’s motives continued, authorities uncovered a concerning mental health history and antisemitic writings associated with the shooter. Moreno’s violent encounter with the off-duty officers marked a tragic turn of events that highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative response between mental health services and law enforcement. Additionally, Moreno’s criminal record revealed a series of prior arrests, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying issues related to gun violence.
In the aftermath of the incident, the community rallied behind Samuel’s recovery, with updates on his condition shared by his grandmother, Walli Carranza, on social media platforms. The impact of the shooting at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church has prompted discussions on mental health interventions and the need for comprehensive support systems to prevent such tragic events from recurring. Amidst the shock and grief, the community continues to offer prayers for the victims and their families as they navigate the aftermath of the shooting.