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Police identified the suspected shooter who opened fire at Pastor Joel Osteen's megachurch on Sunday afternoon as 36-year-old Genesse Moreno.
Law enforcement said Moreno was shot and killed by two off-duty officers working as security guards at Lakewood Church in Texas after she opened fire in the church, one of the largest in the United States.
It was on Monday afternoon during a press conference that police identified Moreno as the suspected shooter. Two other people were injured in the shooting, including a 7-year-old boy who entered the church with Moreno and was taken to a hospital in critical condition. Her relationship with the child is unknown at this time, and police said the boy remained in critical condition Monday. The other victim was a 57-year-old man who was shot in the leg.
Doug Williams, FBI special agent in charge of the Houston field office, said it is "way too early" to determine the motive for the shooting during the press conference.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said during a Sunday press conference thatMoreno entered the church wearing a trench coat and backpack, armed with a long rifle. The exact weapon remains unclear. After she was shot, she told officers she had a bomb, however, officers did not find any explosives, Finner added.
On Monday, Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged prayers for the victims and their families, the family of the suspect and the officers.
"There was a lot of pain exhibited yesterday and being felt today," he said.
The shooting remains under investigation, police said. When contacted for comment by Newsweek, the Houston Police Department declined to comment.
In a statement released on Sunday, Osteen responded to the shooting.
"May the healing hands of God touch the lives of everyone involved and provide comfort during this difficult time," Osteen said. "In the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and remember evil will not prevail. God will guide us through the darkest of times. Together, we will rise above this tragedy and stand firm in our commitment to love and support one another."
He added: "In times like these, our faith is tested, but it is also strengthened. We don't always understand why things like this happen, but we know that God is in control. Please join me in continued prayer for healing and peace."
Osteen also said the violence could have been worse if it had happened during the larger 11 a.m. service. About 45,000 people attend the church weekly, according to the Associated Press.
Update 2/12/24, 11:59 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
Update 2/12/24 3:27 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
About the writer
Andrew Stanton is a Newsweek weekend reporter based in Maine. His role is reporting on U.S. politics and social issues. ... Read more