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Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Shooter’s Motive Unclear as Houston Authorities Investigate Attack at Joel Osteen’s Megachurch

HOUSTON (AP) — The motive behind a shooting incident at celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston remains unclear as authorities continue to search the suspect’s home in suburban Houston. The weapon used in the attack has been identified as an AR-style rifle, according to the authorities.

The suspect’s house in Conroe, Texas, which is more than 50 miles north of Lakewood Church, where the shooting took place, is currently being investigated by the authorities. The incident occurred during busy services, causing panic among the worshippers who were forced to seek safety.

The shooter has been identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, as stated in an affidavit seeking a search warrant released by the Montgomery County district attorney’s office. Two off-duty officers, who were working as security at the church, shot and killed Moreno. The church, one of the largest megachurches in the U.S., witnessed two other individuals being shot and wounded, including the shooter’s young son.

Here’s a breakdown of the shooting incident:

How Did the Shooting Unfold?

The shooting took place inside the massive church, formerly the home of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, just before 2 p.m. Sunday. The sound of gunshots startled worshippers who were preparing to watch the Super Bowl later in the day.

Houston police Chief Troy Finner revealed during a news conference that the shooter entered the church wearing a trench coat and carrying a backpack, armed with a long rifle.

The suspect entered the church accompanied by the young boy, but the nature of their relationship remains undisclosed. The shooter opened fire, and two off-duty officers—an officer from the Houston Police Department and an agent from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission—confronted and exchanged fire with the suspect.

Before being shot and killed, the suspect claimed to have a bomb and possessed a yellow rope and substances consistent with the manufacture of explosive devices, described as a detonation cord, according to the search warrant affidavit. However, a subsequent search found no explosives.

Authorities applauded the officers for their swift response and for neutralizing the shooter. Houston Police Chief Finner stated, “It could have been worse, but they stepped up and did their job.”

Who Are the Victims?

The critically injured victim is Moreno’s son, described as a 7-year-old, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head. The boy was initially reported as a 5-year-old. The circumstances under which the child was shot remain unclear. He was immediately transported to a Houston children’s hospital for treatment.

The other victim is a man in his 50s who suffered a gunshot wound to his hip.

How Did Worshippers Inside React?

Alan Guity, a church member since 1998, was inside the sanctuary resting while his mother worked as an usher when the gunshots rang out. Guity recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “Boom, boom, boom, boom..

– “Shooting incident at Joel Osteen’s megachurch details”
– “Joel Osteen’s megachurch shooting investigation updates”.