A shooting incident at Lakewood Church in Houston has left a female shooter dead and a 5-year-old child critically injured. The tragic incident took place around 2 p.m. when the woman, believed to be between 30 to 35 years old, entered the church property armed with a long rifle, wearing a trench coat and backpack. Accompanied by the child, she opened fire inside the church, prompting a swift response from off-duty law enforcement officers present at the scene.
Two officers, one from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) with four years of service and another from the Houston Police Department (HPD) with two years of service, engaged the shooter and managed to fatally strike her. Following the confrontation, the shooter claimed to have a bomb, leading authorities to conduct a thorough search of her vehicle and backpack, which yielded no explosives.
The 5-year-old child who accompanied the shooter was shot and immediately rushed to Texas Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Additionally, a 57-year-old man was shot in the leg and is currently in stable condition.
The Houston Police Department Chief, Troy Finner, stated that the woman allegedly spread an unknown substance on the ground, prompting the deployment of HAZMAT crews and decontamination units to ensure the safety of the site. However, no harmful substances were discovered.
Law enforcement officials have categorized the incident as an isolated event and are conducting thorough checks of the building for any potential risks. Chief Finner urged the public to stay away from the premises while authorities continue their investigations.
A statement issued by Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences to those affected by the shooting and offered the full support and resources of the state, including Department of Public Safety officers and Texas Rangers, in bringing justice to the perpetrator. Lakewood Church also took to social media, requesting prayers for the community.
In response to the incident, Texas Democrats released a statement highlighting the danger and trauma caused by lenient gun laws and expressing solidarity with the injured and affected. They called for stronger measures to ensure public safety and protect Texans from such senseless acts of violence.
As investigators work to uncover the motives behind the shooting, the community of Lakewood Church and the wider Houston area mourn this tragic event, highlighting the importance of security measures and vigilance in safeguarding sacred spaces.
