A press conference held outside of Lakewood Church was conducted by Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, Houston Mayor John Whitmire, Pastor Joel Osteen and law enforcement to provide more details about this tragic event.
At approximately 1:35 PM, the deceased assailant identified as 36-year-old Conroe resident Genesse Ivonne Moreno entered Lakewood Church wearing a trench coat and armed with a long rifle and backpack, accompanied by a seven-year-old child.
Once the Moreno entered the church, she started firing. Off-duty officers on the scene, TABC Agent 38 and HPD Officer 28 years old engaged in striking the female.
Upon the assailant being shot down by two officers, she threatened that she had a bomb and started spraying some substance on the ground. The Houston Fire Department got involved, plus the HAZMAT team and bomb squad began scouring the scene.
Emergency responders transported two patients to the hospital. A 57-year-old male was shot in the leg, and a seven-year-old child was shot and is currently in critical condition.
At this time, there is no further danger to the public. The investigation is still ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and community. If you were at the scene and would like to provide more information please call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600.
