Tragic Shooting at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church Leaves Two Injured
A somber atmosphere envelops Lakewood Church in Houston following a distressing incident where a woman, armed with a long rifle and accompanied by a young child, opened fire on Sunday afternoon. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner confirmed that two individuals, including a 5-year-old child, were injured in the event. The shooter, a woman estimated to be between 30-35 years old, was neutralized by two off-duty law enforcement officers and pronounced dead at the scene.
The chaotic situation unfolded just before 2 p.m., leading to a 5-year-old child being critically injured and taken to a local hospital. The circumstances under which the child was shot, including their relationship to the assailant, remain unclear. Additionally, a 57-year-old man, believed to be unrelated to the incident, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Chief Finner commended the swift action of the off-duty Houston police officer and an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, emphasizing that their intervention likely prevented further casualties. The incident is under thorough investigation, with both officers placed on administrative leave during the process.
The assailant's motives were further complicated by her claim of possessing a bomb, though subsequent searches of her vehicle and backpack revealed no explosives. Authorities noted she was dispersing an unidentified substance on the ground during the attack.
Lakewood Church, a prominent megachurch located approximately 6 miles from downtown Houston, acknowledged the incident on social media, urging the community to pray while law enforcement addressed the situation. Pastor Joel Osteen, speaking at a news conference, expressed relief that the timing of the shooting, occurring between services, may have mitigated the extent of the tragedy.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed his condolences, stressing the sacredness of places of worship and pledging support to the impacted community and the pursuit of justice. The incident, which took place as parishioners gathered for a Spanish language service, has drawn national attention, including from the White House, which is actively seeking more information on the tragic event.
Lakewood Church, originally founded by Osteen's father in the 1950s and now housed in a former sports arena, stands as a beacon of faith for many. This incident marks a somber chapter in the church's history, resonating with calls for prayer and reflection within the community and beyond.
