In a shocking incident, a woman armed with an AR-15 rifle opened fire in a bustling Texas megachurch, accompanied by her seven-year-old son, before being neutralized by security personnel. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno, had the word “Palestine” inscribed on her rifle and was found to possess antisemitic writings. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
The disturbing event unfolded during a live-streamed church service, where parishioners were subjected to terrifying moments as gunshots echoed through the congregation. A 57-year-old man was wounded in the hip but has since been released from the hospital. The suspect’s young son, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the incident, is currently in critical condition, and the circumstances surrounding his injuries are yet to be determined.
Pastor Jorge Basave, leading the service at the time, initially opted to continue with the recording, aiming to maintain a sense of calm amidst the chaos. Authorities disclosed that Moreno possessed a .22 calibre rifle in addition to the AR-15, though the latter was the firearm used in the assault. The police investigation is ongoing, striving to unravel the motives behind the shocking attack that left the congregation and community shaken.
As the investigation into the shocking Texas megachurch shooting continues, officials revealed that the suspect, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, has a troubling history of mental health issues. In 2016, she was placed under an emergency detention order, shedding light on her previous struggles with psychological well-being. Public records further highlight Moreno’s extensive criminal history, including arrests and convictions related to assault, drugs, and weapons charges. She had operated under various aliases, with police identifying her as a Hispanic female during the news conference.
Police indicated that Moreno’s troubled past extended to a familial dispute with her ex-husband’s family, some of whom are of Jewish descent. Lakewood Church, where the shooting occurred, is one of the largest congregations in the country, led by renowned televangelist pastor Joel Osteen. While the motive behind the attack remains unclear, investigators are exploring Moreno’s potential connection to the church. It was reported that her mother attended Lakewood, and staff at the church may have been questioned during Moreno’s contentious divorce and child custody proceedings, according to Montgomery County court records.
The tragic incident unfolded on Monday when Moreno arrived at the west side of the Lakewood Church building in a white vehicle just as a Spanish-speaking service was about to commence at 13:53 local time (19:53 GMT). Displaying her weapon to an unarmed security guard, she was allowed inside, where she opened fire in the church’s hallway around 13:55. The investigation aims to piece together the events leading up to the attack and ascertain any potential motivations behind this distressing act of violence.
The harrowing incident at Lakewood Church unfolded further as it was revealed that two off-duty security personnel, a 28-year-old Houston police officer and a 38-year-old agent from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), played a crucial role in confronting the armed attacker. Both officers, hired for church security, courageously returned fire during the intense gun battle that erupted within the church premises.
According to officials, numerous rounds were exchanged in the firefight, ultimately leading to the “neutralization” of the assailant. The attacker, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, was pronounced dead at 14:07 local time. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner shared additional details about the assailant’s actions during the incident, noting that Moreno had sprayed “some type of substance on the ground.” However, investigators have since determined that the substance posed no actual risk.
In the aftermath of being shot, Moreno made a false claim of a bomb threat, instigating heightened tensions. However, law enforcement conducted a thorough search, including her backpack and vehicle, and found no evidence of explosives. TABC Chairman Kevin Lilly identified his agency’s officer involved in the confrontation as Adrian Herrera.
Praising the unwavering courage displayed by the off-duty officers, Lilly described their actions as the “personification of heroism and valor.” He emphasized that the officers served as a protective barrier, standing between the worshippers and the looming threat of terror. Their bravery became a pivotal defense, safeguarding the freedom of religion within the church from a potential act of violence.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement will delve into the details surrounding the assailant’s motives, potential affiliations, and the circumstances leading up to this tragic incident at one of the largest megachurches in the country.
