1. Investigation into shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
2. Latest updates on the shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : In a video message shared on social media, Joel Osteen, the renowned pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, announced that Sunday’s 11 a.m. service would focus on healing and restoration following a tragic incident. The church, a former arena for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, was the scene of a shocking shooting on February 11.
The perpetrator, identified as Moreno, arrived at the church just before 2 p.m. clad in a trench coat and carrying a backpack. She brandished a gun at an unarmed security guard to gain entry into the building before opening fire. Although Moreno also had a .22 caliber rifle in her possession, she did not use it during the attack. Tragically, Moreno was killed in a shootout with security personnel, including a Houston police officer and an agent from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. Her son, Samuel, who accompanied her to the church, sustained a head injury, while another individual in their 50s was shot in the hip. Fortunately, Osteen was on a different floor of the building at the time of the incident.
Authorities have been tight-lipped about Moreno’s motive for the attack, but investigations at her residence revealed antisemitic writings. Commander Chris Hassig of the Houston Police mentioned that Moreno had a history of using both male and female aliases and had a previous altercation with her ex-husband’s family. This history included threats with firearms and irresponsible gun storage practices.
Despite her criminal record, including an assault conviction and a weapons misdemeanor, Moreno was able to acquire a rifle due to Texas’ lenient gun laws. The absence of a comprehensive mental health tracking system in the state further complicated the matter.
Joel Osteen, the pastor of Lakewood Church, has been a prominent figure in the world of mega-churches, leading a congregation of over 45,000 people weekly. He is known for promoting the prosperity gospel and has authored best-selling books on personal growth and spirituality. Osteen’s televised services reach a global audience, and the renovation of his church’s arena cost nearly $100 million.
This tragic incident at Lakewood Church serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and gun control measures. Despite the challenges faced, Osteen and the church community are coming together to heal and move forward in the face of adversity..
– latest investigation into shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch
– investigation into shooting at Joel Osteen’s megachurch.
