This is shocking.
On Sunday afternoon, members of Lakewood Church, led by Pastor Joel Osteen, were rocked by a shocking incident when an unidentified woman, described as wearing a trench coat and backpack and accompanied by a young child, began firing a rifle inside the Houston-based church. The chaotic scene unfolded just before the scheduled 2 p.m. Spanish language service.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner revealed during a subsequent press conference that two off-duty officers, one from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the other from the Houston Police Department, swiftly intervened and fatally shot the armed woman. Tragically, the child accompanying her, a 5-year-old boy, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Texas Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Additionally, a 57-year-old bystander was struck by gunfire in the leg but is reportedly in stable condition. In response to the harrowing events, Pastor Osteen expressed deep sorrow and gratitude for law enforcement’s rapid response, emphasizing the need for divine comfort and healing in the community.
The pastor’s statement, delivered via The Christian Post, underscored the unwavering faith amidst darkness and the collective resolve to overcome adversity through love and support for one another. Lakewood Church, in a public statement, urged prayers for the congregation and the broader community amidst the unfolding situation.
Chief Finner provided further details, indicating that the assailant entered the church armed with a long rifle and made alarming claims about possessing explosives. However, subsequent investigations by law enforcement revealed no evidence of explosives in her possession or within the church premises.
Despite the chaos, both Pastor Osteen and Mayor John Whitmire commended the swift action of law enforcement officers, acknowledging that the outcome could have been far worse without their intervention. Governor Greg Abbott also condemned the violence, pledging full support for the investigation and offering prayers for the affected individuals and the Lakewood Church community.
The incident has cast a somber shadow over Lakewood Church, a congregation known for its sizable attendance and recent milestones, including the payoff of a significant loan used for the acquisition and renovation of its premises. As the community grapples with the aftermath, there’s a resolute determination to uphold faith, support one another, and overcome the challenges posed by this tragic event.