Woman shot dead after opening fire at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church

A girl was shot dead by two off-duty officers at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood megachurch in Houston on Sunday. 

The woman, believed to be in her thirties, was accompanied by a baby when she entered the church shortly before a Spanish-language service within the afternoon. 

She was wearing a trench coat and carrying a protracted rifle when she opened fire. She was taken down by an off-duty police officer and an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and died on the scene. 

Both officers have been placed on administrative leave while an investigation into the shooting is carried out.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said a five-year-old child was hit and is in critical condition in a neighborhood hospital. A 57-year-old man who was shot within the leg can also be receiving hospital treatment. 

“I need to commend those officers. She had a protracted gun and it might have been quite a bit worse. But they stepped up they usually did their job, and I need to thank them for that,” said Finner.

In an announcement, Osteen said he was “devastated” by the shooting and asked for prayers. 

“May the healing hands of God touch the lives of everyone involved and supply comfort during this difficult time. In the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and remember evil is not going to prevail. God will guide us through the darkest of times,” he said.

“Together, we are going to rise above this tragedy and stand firm in our commitment to like and support each other. In times like these, our faith is tested, but additionally it is strengthened.

“We don’t at all times understand why things like this occur, but we all know that God is on top of things. Please join me in continued prayer for healing and peace.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in an announcement, “Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and your entire Lakewood Church community in Houston. Places of worship are sacred.”