Houston, Texas – A tragedy unfolded at Joel Osteen’s megachurch on Sunday when a woman opened fire inside the building, injuring two people and putting the entire congregation in danger. The shooting took place just before the 2 p.m. Spanish service was set to begin, causing panic among the worshippers.
The suspect, who has not been identified, was carrying a long gun and entered the Lakewood Church with a 5-year-old boy who was later injured in the shootout with police. A 57-year-old man was also wounded in the incident.
Details about the confrontation and the motive behind the shooting remain unclear as authorities work to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner emphasized that the suspect put the baby in danger, holding her accountable for the chaos that ensued.
The 5-year-old boy was rushed to a children’s hospital in critical condition, while the injured man was reported to be stable at a different hospital. The shooting occurred between the church’s services, which typically draw crowds of 45,000 people every week.
Amid the chaos, witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots, and worshippers scrambled to find safety inside the enormous church building. Despite the frightening ordeal, authorities commended two off-duty officers who quickly engaged the shooter, preventing further harm. Both officers have been placed on administrative duty following the incident.
After the shooting, Pastor Joel Osteen expressed devastation over the tragedy, offering prayers for the victims and the woman responsible for the shooting. The congregation, which has grown substantially under Osteen’s leadership, has been a beacon of hope for millions of followers around the world.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the motive behind the shooting and provide support to the affected community. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of places of worship and the need for increased vigilance in ensuring the safety of congregants.