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Texas: In an unsettling turn of events on February 12, a woman in her 30s opened fire at the famous Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas. The incident occurred just before 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The Spanish-language service is sending shock waves through the congregation and beyond.
The assailant, a woman in her early 30s adorning a long trench coat, stormed into the church accompanied by a young boy. She was clad in a long trench coat, carrying a backpack, and brandishing a long rifle.
The woman opened fire swiftly upon entering the building, leaving one person dead and two others injured. Among the injured was a five-year-old child, who is currently in critical condition. The incident unfolded on February 12, minutes before the start of the 2 p.m. Spanish-language service.
Lakewood Church, a prominent evangelical Christian church in Houston, Texas, run by Pastor Joel Osteen.
As the church was in the midst of a live stream service, the unexpected shots sent the congregation into a frenzy. The church, known for its average attendance of 45,000 people, became the epicenter of chaos and confusion.
Faced with imminent danger, two off-duty law enforcement officers present at the church acted swiftly. He engaged the woman and eventually shot at her, killing her on the spot.
Police believe the shooting to be an isolated incident, and reassured the public there is no further threat. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the woman’s motives and any possible links to the church or her congregation.
Upon arrival, first responders received threats from the woman that she had a bomb. He also sprayed an unknown substance, further escalating an already tense situation. However, no explosives were found during subsequent investigation.
The 57-year-old man who was shot in the leg during the incident is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The young child accompanying the woman, aged between 4 and 5 years old, is in critical condition at Texas Children’s Hospital.
The shooting has left the Lakewood Church community and the broader public in a state of shock and grief. Pastor Joel Osteen expressed relief that the incident did not happen during the heavily attended 11:00 a.m. service, but he was deeply saddened by the loss of life and injuries.
