A shooter is dead after opening fire in-between services Sunday at Lakewood Baptist Church in Houston. The shooter, identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, brought her son along with her. He was struck in crossfire and is fighting for his life at an area hospital.
Moreno indicated that she had a bomb on site. Authorities found nothing after searching her vehicle, officials stated.
Pastor Joel Osteen was stunned by the events. “We don’t understand why all these things happen,” the pastor told reporters Sunday. “But we know God’s in control.”
“Our community is devastated by today’s events and grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement,” he continued in a Facebook statement. “Together, we will rise above this tragedy and stand firm in our commitment to love and support one another.”
Her Background: Custody Battle & More
An unprecedented time in the U.S.
Firearm access is the most open its been in modern times. Moreno’s criminal history has authorities questioning how she was able to get a weapon.
Officials report that she’s been arrested for a few minor offenses throughout the years, including assault and illegal possession of a firearm. Moreno had also dealt with a ‘bitter’ custody battle against her ex-spouse’s family. Her former attorney William Capasso represented her in 2021-2022, and said the suspect went by the name Jeffrey Moreno Carranza during that time.
“I am deeply saddened to learn that Ms. Moreno may be responsible for the tragic events that occurred at the Lakewood Church and pray for the recovery of [the child] and for all of the people that were affected by this terrible tragedy,” Capasso said in a statement.
We are praying for Lakewood Church and the Houston community.
