Published on February 12, 2024, 1:18 am

In tragic news to come out of Houston, a service at Lakewood Church, led by TV personality and pastor Joel Osteen, was abruptly disrupted by gunfire this Sunday. According to reliable sources and the Houston Police Department, an armed woman instigated the shooting at the megachurch, resulting in two injured parties and her own death. Enforcing law officers on the scene have assured that they are conducting a thorough crime scene investigation.

The alleged shooter entered the Houston megachurch around 2 p.m., brandishing a long gun and accompanied by a child aged about 4 or 5 years old before she started firing shots. As trusted news confirms, two off-duty officers who were working security at the church intervened and fatally shot the woman. Tragically, it has been reported that a young child involved with the woman is in critical condition after being rushed to hospital. An unnamed man situated nearby was also wounded during this unfortunate incident.

Lakewood Church is known as one of the largest in America, recognized for its congregation size of approximately 45,000 attendees per week. The impact of Osteen’s sermons extends far beyond his sizable pews, reaching about 100 countries through television broadcasting.

As real news started spreading about the devastating event, Greg Abbott, Texas’ Republican Governor added his voice to those expressing their anguish over such an act occurring in what should be sanctuaries rather than sites of violence. He stated: “Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston.”

With this news unfurling only days before Feb. 14th – marking the start of Lenten season – many have offered prayers for those affected in Texas- another substantiation that places of worship indeed hold a uniquely special place in society.

As we explore this story from our Christian worldview perspective here at Real News Trustworthy Outlets, we extend our commiserations to all those impacted and will bring you updates on the situation as they materialize.