In a shocking turn of events, Houston’s Lakewood Church, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, has become the site of an active shooting incident. The Houston Police Department swiftly responded to the emergency call, advising locals to steer clear of the area due to heavy traffic and ongoing police activity.
The shooter, identified as a female, entered the church’s west side and commenced firing with a rifle. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner provided details about the assailant, describing her as wearing a trench coat over a backpack and accompanied by a young child, approximately five years old.
Tragically, the situation escalated when the woman was fatally shot by police at the scene. In the midst of the chaos, the child accompanying her suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a local hospital. Additionally, an unnamed 37-year-old man was also wounded in the leg during the shooting and is receiving medical care.
Lakewood Church confirmed the incident via social media, acknowledging the ongoing situation involving gunfire at their premises. A video from the scene captured the unsettling moment during a Spanish service broadcast, where gunfire can be heard in the background, causing a brief pause and visible panic among those present.
The church was in the process of transitioning from an afternoon service to a Spanish-speaking service when the shooting occurred, as reported by Click 2 Houston.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, who arrived shortly after the incident, confirmed on social media that the shooter had been neutralized. He also noted that other agencies had discharged their weapons during the event.
Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying scene, with multiple gunshots echoing through the church. Paula Laverde, a church attendee, told Click 2 Houston about hearing “multiple sets of shots” as she and her boyfriend fled for safety.
Currently, the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and the motive behind this alarming act remains unclear. This is a developing story and further updates are expected as more details emerge.
