HOUSTON, Texas – A shooter, armed with an AR-15, opened fire at the Lakewood Church in Houston, leaving two people injured before being killed. The suspect, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, had a history of run-ins with the law over weapons charges and had previously pleaded guilty to assault and drug-related charges.
The 36-year-old suspect, hailing from El Salvador, was first arrested in April 2022 after being found in possession of a weapon and subsequently jailed before being released two days later. Her involvement in drugs and assault was also revealed through her criminal record, with a guilty plea for an assault charge in 2009 and subsequent arrests in 2010.
Moreno’s violent attack in the megachurch resulted in her seven-year-old son being critically injured, with his grandmother disclosing that the child suffered a brain injury. Another man, aged 56, was also injured during the shooting.
According to reports, Moreno’s AR-15 had a Palestine sticker on it, however, law enforcement officials have refrained from categorizing the incident as a hate crime at this time. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner highlighted Moreno’s mental health history and the potential for more devastating consequences due to the long-range nature of her weapon.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear during the shooting, with people scrambling to escape and fearing for their lives. Moreno’s actions have left the community in shock, with Pastor Joel Osteen expressing his dismay and calling for faith and unity in the face of such darkness.
The Lakewood Church, a popular megachurch in the US, attracts around 45,000 people weekly and has become the focus of national attention following this tragic event. The impact of this violent act has reverberated through the local community, leaving many questioning the motive and seeking answers amidst the devastation.