Active Shooter Killed, Two Injured at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston

Joel Osteen. Photo/Instagram

An alleged female shooter, who was accompanied by a small child, opened fire at Joel Osteen's church, Lakewood Church, in Houston, Texas, on Sunday. Osteen told the press the shooting happened in between services, right before the Spanish service began. The young boy with the shooter was injured, as well as an adult. The authorities say the minor is in critical condition. According to USA Today, "Off-duty officers shot and killed a woman who claimed she had a bomb and opened fire." USA Today also reported, "The woman, wearing a trench coat and escorting the child, walked into Osteen's Lakewood church in between services shortly before 2 p.m. CT and inexplicably began firing a long rifle, said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner. "Once she entered, at some point she began to fire," Finner said. He added that officers on the scene reported the woman, whose age was estimated at 30-35, said she had an explosive device."

The mega-church was founded by Joel's parents, John and Dolores Osteen, 65 years ago. Lakewood has roughly 45,000 people in attendance every week. It is reportedly one of the largest congregations in the United States, with a plethora of online and television followers. 

Lakewood released the following statement about the shooting via its website: Our community is devastated by today's events and grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement. May the healing hands of God touch the lives of everyone involved and provide comfort during this difficult time. In the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and remember evil will not prevail. God will guide us through the darkest of times. Together, we will rise above this tragedy and stand firm in our commitment to love and support one another. In times like these, our faith is tested, but it is also strengthened. We don't always understand why things like this happen, but we know that God is in control. Please join me in continued prayer for healing and peace.

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