Gun of Houston megachurch shooter read 'Free Palestine'

The shooter also claimed to have had a bomb, but police found no evidence of explosives.

 First responders and members of law enforcement surround the area after a shooting incident at television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, U.S. February 11, 2024 (photo credit: CALLAGHAN O'HARE/REUTERS)
First responders and members of law enforcement surround the area after a shooting incident at television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, U.S. February 11, 2024
(photo credit: CALLAGHAN O'HARE/REUTERS)

The female gunman who opened fire into the Texas megachurch on Sunday afternoon had 'Free Palestine' written on her AR-15, according to media reports from the last 24 hours. 

The shooter had also claimed, in a statement that was later proven to be false, that she had a bomb. The Houston police chief confirmed that no explosives had been found during the search of the woman's backpack and car.

Fox News identified the shooter as a Transgender woman known as Genesse Ivonne Moreno. Born in El Salvador, the source claimed Moreno had a lengthy criminal history.

It was also reported by CNN that the woman had sprayed an unknown substance onto the ground before being shot.

“Right now, I can safely say that we have not found anything that is of concern to our community or to this location, but we’re going to take our time to ensure that we look at every aspect,” the fire chief stressed in a press conference. 

 Evacuated parishoners react outside television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church after a shooting incident in Houston, Texas, U.S. February 11, 2024 in a still image from video (credit: Courtesy ABC affiliate KTRK via REUTERS.)
Evacuated parishoners react outside television evangelist Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church after a shooting incident in Houston, Texas, U.S. February 11, 2024 in a still image from video (credit: Courtesy ABC affiliate KTRK via REUTERS.)

The woman, who was killed by law enforcement, had been accompanied by a young child. The child, whose affiliation with the shooter is unknown, is currently in hospital in critical condition after being shot. 

Wearing a trench coat and backpack, according to CNN, the shooter arrived at the church at 2 pm. Two law enforcement officials quickly neutralized the woman before further damage could be done. 

As of now, there are no deaths reported as a result of the incident, except the shooter's. A man was shot in the leg and was treated in a local hospital.


Stay updated with the latest news!

Subscribe to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter


Details on the potential motive of the shooter have also not been shared.

Religious response to the incident

Pastor Joel Osteen, a representative of the megachurch, told media, "We don't understand why these things happen, but we know God's in control" in relation to the incident.

A witness told ABC 13  she heard gunshots from the choir room, which sent churchgoers into a panic.

“The whole church started praying and declaring Jesus’ name,” she said. “I was like, ‘This might be the last time I get to pray, that I get to glorify the name of Jesus, so I’m going to do this.’”