Two off-duty police officers took down a woman who opened fire at Lakewood Church on Sunday, according to the police.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner stated in a press briefing that a woman in her early 30s entered the west side of the church armed with a long rifle, wearing a trenchcoat and carrying a backpack, was allegedly accompanied by a child, around four to five years old, and began shooting as soon as she entered the building.
Megachurch Shooting Incident's Casualty
Two off-duty officers, one from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and the other from the Houston Police Department, killed the shooter before she harmed anyone inside the church, which was getting ready for a Spanish-language service.
According to Finner, two individuals were injured, including the child who was with the shooter. Authorities are still investigating the relationship between the child and the shooter, as well as the shooter's motive, adding they are unsure who shot the child during the incident and who is in critical condition after being transported to Texas Children's Hospital. A man in his fifties also sustained a non-critical leg injury and is currently being treated at a local hospital.
Finner stated that the woman had claimed to have a bomb, leading authorities to search her backpack and vehicle. However, no explosives were found.
Chaos at the Spanish-speaking Lakewood Service
The Spanish-speaking service was set to start at 2 p.m. when the witnesses said they heard multiple gunshots in the choir room.
ABC13 reporters were at the church, witnessing crowds of people, including children, evacuating the worship center. Church attendees are directed to go to Lifetime Fitness at 1 Healthy Way in the Greenway Plaza area to reunite with their families, as many were separated during the chaos.
Gunshots Still Unconfirmed by Authorities
Video shared with Eyewitness News shows the chaos inside the church as rapid gunfire rings out and people scramble for safety. Authorities have not confirmed the exact number of shots fired, but a man who fled the scene with his three young daughters reported hearing 20 to 30 gunshots. The Houston Police Department advised drivers to steer clear of the area. As of 3 p.m., the Southwest Freeway feeder road near Edloe Street has been closed as authorities continue their investigation.
Lakewood Megachurch Overseen by Joel Osteen
Lakewood Church, overseen by Osteen and his wife, Victoria Osteen, who serves as co-pastor, seats around 16,000 people.
Pastor Joel Osteen is one of the wealthiest and most famous pastors in the United States, preaching the prosperity gospel. As per the church's website, his media broadcasts, podcasts, and radio shows reach millions of households worldwide.
Osteen told reporters on Sunday that he doesn't understand why these things happen, but God's in control," stating they'll stay strong and keep moving forward.
RELATED ARTICLE: Dallas Shooting, Police Chief David Brown: Difficult Career Ahead After Five Officers Dead
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
