A woman wearing a long coat entered an
important evangelical temple
in
the city of Houston, in the United States, and
opened fire
at the entrance of the place, before which she was killed by two off-duty officers who were carrying out security duties there, the police reported.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said
the woman entered the temple with a long gun
and a backpack on her back shortly before 2 p.m.,
accompanied by a child
of about 4 or 5 years old.
The minor was hit by bullets
and had to be taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Meanwhile, a third male subject, between 26 and 28 years old, was injured in the hip.
According to local police,
the woman made statements about a bomb in the middle of the shooting
so, despite having been killed, an anti-explosive brigade was called to search the place.
The temple is known for belonging to Joel Osteen, a famous pastor from the state of Texas.
The shooting occurred between religious ceremonies at the megachurch, which
is attended by about 45,000 people each week
, making it the third largest megachurch in the United States, according to the Hartford Institute for Religious Research.
The temple is known for belonging to Joel Osteen, a famous pastor from the state of Texas.
His televised sermons are broadcast in about 100 countries.
The woman who opened fire at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, said she had a bomb shortly before two officers shot her to death at the church.
About 45 thousand people usually come to the temple per week.
According to a police source cited by the
ANSA
agency , it is an
"isolated incident"
and "there are no security problems."
The investigation is now in its early stages and police are reviewing camera footage and beginning to interview witnesses.
Our hearts are with those impacted by today's tragic shooting in Houston.
Places of worship are sacred.
I have spoken with Mayor Whitmire and offered the full support of Texas to bring this criminal to justice.
Join Cecilia and me in praying for the Lakewood Church community.
pic.twitter.com/OVr7pJ0g7Q
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) February 11, 2024
Texas Governor
Greg Abbot
posted a message on his social media stating: “Our hearts go out to those affected by today's tragic shooting in Houston.
Places of worship are sacred
.”
Abbot noted that he contacted the mayor of the area and offered “all the support of Texas to bring this criminal to justice.”
With information from the ANSA and AP agency.
IS