HOUSTON, Feb 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — A woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle – and accompanied by a young child – entered pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon and began firing, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
Two off-duty law enforcement officers – a Houston police officer and an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission – engaged and struck the woman, who died on the scene, Finner said. The woman was roughly 30-35 years old, the chief said.
“Unfortunately a 5-year-old kid was hit and is in critical condition at our local hospital,” he added. The incident unfolded just before 2 p.m., the chief said. It was unclear what the child’s relationship to the shooter was.
A 57-year-old man – who authorities don’t believe was connected to the incident – was shot in the leg and is seeking treatment at a hospital, Finner said.
An investigation will take place into the shooting and both law enforcement officers will be placed on administrative leave while the probe is ongoing.
The woman had also threatened she “had a bomb,” but authorities searched her vehicle and a backpack she was wearing and found no explosives, Finner said. “She was also spraying some type of substance on the ground,” the chief added.
Speaking during a news conference, Osteen, the pastor, said the shooting took place “in between services,” noting the timing of the incident likely helped prevent further injuries and damage.
“I can only imagine if it would have happened during the 11 o’clock service,” he said.
In a statement Sunday afternoon, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said, “Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston. Places of worship are sacred.”
Lakewood Church, now located in what used to be a sports arena, was founded by Osteen’s father in the 1950s.
The White House is tracking the shooting and working to obtain more information, a White House official said. — NNN-AGENCIES
