Barrage of gunfire as officers confront Houston megachurch shooter, released body cam footage shows

By Juan A. Lozano, The Associated Press on February 26, 2024.

HOUSTON (AP) – Body camera footage released by Houston police on Monday showed off-duty officers confronting a woman who opened fire at celebrity pastor Joel Osteen’s Houston megachurch earlier this month before she was gunned down.

Houston police released footage from two of its officers who were at Lakewood Church as well as video from a Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputy. It showed officers crouching with weapons drawn amid sounds of several loud gushots.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, that the footage “may be unsettling to members of the community.” In one officer’s body camera video, officers are seen requesting help for an injured male boy who received a gunshot to the head.

“While we know there are unanswered questions, this is still an active investigation,” Finner said. “We will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly examine all aspects of this incident.”

Police say Genesse Moreno, 36, entered the church on Feb. 11 between Sunday services with her 7-year-old son and began firing an AR-style rifle. Moreno did not reach the main sanctuary and was killed after exchanging gunfire with two off-duty officers. Two people were wounded in the shooting, including Moreno’s son. He was shot in the head and remains hospitalized.

Police have told reporters that investigators were still trying to determine Moreno’s motive and learn more about how she obtained the AR-style rifle she used.

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