On a seemingly ordinary Sunday afternoon, tragedy struck at the renowned Lakewood Church, led by the famed pastor Joel Osteen. The incident sent shockwaves through the Houston community and beyond, prompting questions about safety and security in places of worship.
Joel Osteen Lakewood Church Shooting
In a distressing revelation, Chief Finner disclosed that the assailant had threatened the presence of a bomb. However, subsequent searches of her vehicle and belongings yielded no explosives. Additionally, she was observed dispersing an unidentified substance on the ground, further escalating the tension within the church.
Amidst the chaos, Lakewood Church issued a statement acknowledging the alarming situation. “There is an active situation involving shots fired at Lakewood. Law enforcement is on the scene. That is all the information we have at this time.
Please pray for Lakewood and our community,” the statement read. Pastor Joel Osteen addressed the media, remarking on the timing of the incident occurring “in between services,” which potentially mitigated more extensive harm. Reflecting on the severity of the situation, Osteen remarked, “I can only imagine if it would have happened during the 11 o’clock service.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott extended his condolences to those affected by the tragic events, pledging support to the Lakewood Church community. “Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston. Places of worship are sacred,” Governor Abbott affirmed, vowing to assist in bringing justice to the perpetrator.
What Happened at Joel Osteen Church?
According to Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, a woman clad in a trench coat, and armed with a long rifle, entered the premises of Lakewood Church accompanied by a young child. Without warning, she began firing, initiating a chaotic and terrifying scene within the church walls.
Two off-duty law enforcement officers, one from the Houston Police Department and another from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, bravely confronted the assailant. Their swift action resulted in the neutralization of the shooter, who tragically succumbed to her injuries on-site. Chief Finner disclosed that the woman was approximately 30-35 years old.
Tragically, amidst the chaos, a 5-year-old child was struck by gunfire and is currently in critical condition at a local hospital. The identity of the child and the circumstances surrounding their presence remain unclear. Additionally, a 57-year-old man, unrelated to the altercation, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg and is receiving medical attention.