A woman wearing a coat was shot and killed by two off-duty police officers after she opened fire inside a Texas church run by celebrity pastor Joel Osteen.
Worshipers at Houston's Greater Lakewood Church ran for safety after the woman began firing a long gun shortly before a Spanish-language mass at 2 p.m. Sunday.
Two people were injured in the shooting, including a five-year-old boy who is still in critical condition, and a 57-year-old man, who is in stable condition and receiving treatment for a thigh injury.
The woman was shot by two officers from the Houston Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, who were working as security at the church.
She had told police she had a bomb, but authorities said no explosives were found during a search of her car and backpack.
The church is run by Joel Osteen, who said the community is “devastated.” Pic: KTRK-TV ABC13 via AP
The child is believed to have been with the suspect, but police have not yet determined whether or not the two are related, or determined a possible motive.
Police Chief Troy Fenner said the incident “could have been much worse” if the two officers had not “engaged” the woman when she opened fire.
Lakewood is attended by 45,000 people each week. Photo: AP
“That female, that suspect, put that child in danger. I'm going to blame her,” he said.
Church member Alan Goiti, 35, said he was resting inside the building when he heard gunshots. He said he lay with his mother on the ground and prayed until the gunshots ended.
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The shooting began before the 2pm mass on Sunday. Photo: AP
Lakewood Church is the third largest church in the United States, with a maximum capacity of 16,000 people, and a regular attendance of 45,000 people each week, according to the Hartford Institute for Research on Religion.
It has been led by Osteen, one of the richest and most famous pastors and evangelists in the United States, whose televised sermons reach nearly 100 countries, since 1999.
“Our community has been devastated by today’s events and is grateful for the quick actions taken by law enforcement,” Austin wrote in a statement on X. “May God’s healing hands touch the lives of everyone involved and provide comfort during this difficult time.”
“At times like these, our faith is tested, but it is also strengthened. We don't always understand why such things happen, but we know that God is in control.”
