Author of shooting at televangelist's church in Houston identified

Genesse Ivonne Moreno was the name of the woman who was involved in a shooting with a rifle at an evangelical church in Houston. This tragic event left two dead. The 36-year-old woman arrived at the church accompanied by a child and opened fire, according to Texas state authorities.

The motive behind the attack is still unknown, and authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing in a “fluid” manner, as confirmed by Houston Police Homicide Commander Christopher Hassig in a press conference.

Moreno, who tragically lost her life during the attack on the Lakewood church, was found to be carrying an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. She was also accompanied by a 7-year-old boy who unfortunately sustained a gunshot wound, as reported by the media.

The other victim of this senseless attack was a 57-year-old man and church employee who was shot in the leg.

Police investigators believe that Moreno had a history of “mental health problems” and had used “several aliases,” according to Hassig.

Lakewood Church, founded in the 1950s by the father of renowned televangelist Joel Osteen, is a large temple that sees approximately 45,000 worshipers passing through its doors on a weekly basis.

Fortunately, the church had two off-duty police officers among its congregation. These brave officers were able to apprehend the attacker and prevent further harm.

Both security officers, who were attending Lakewood Church as worshipers during their off-duty hours, have been placed on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.

After learning about the shooting, Joel Osteen, the televangelist whose sermons reach approximately 100 countries, expressed his disbelief, stating, “We don’t understand why these things happen, but we know God is in control.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also expressed his condolences, saying, “Our hearts go out to those affected by today’s tragic shooting and to the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston. Places of worship are sacred.”