Lakewood shooting - updates: Female suspect dead after child injured at Joel Osteen’s megachurch in Houston

One child has been shot after a shooting at megachurch pastor Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.

The child, approximately five, is in critical condition at a local hospital. A 57-year-old man was also shot in the leg.

Officials said they fatally shot the female shooter, believed to be between the ages of 30-to-35.

Police said the woman entered a building on the property armed with a long rifle, a trench coat and backpack and began to fire. Two off-duty officers engaged fatally shot her.

At some point, the child was shot but it’s not clear who struck him. It’s not clear if the woman and child were related. Once the woman was hit, she threatened that she had explosives, but none were found on the property.

Lakewood Church is one of the largest Christian churches in the US with a capacity to seat about 16,000 people. Mr Osteen, its lead pastor, is one of the US’ most notable religious leaders.

Mr Osteen spoke at a news conference following the incident. He said, “It could’ve been a lot worse. We know God’s in control,” adding that he would be praying for the woman and the child.

Moment shots are heard at Joel Osteen church

Sunday 11 February 2024 23:21 , Michelle Del Rey

Footage appears to show the moment shots were fired inside Joel Osteen’s megachurch.

Officials said the religious institution was switching between services and was about to start their Spanish-language events. In the video, a man can be heard giving instructions in Spanish while a commotion occurs behind him.

Female suspect neutralized by off-duty officers

Sunday 11 February 2024 23:17 , Michelle Del Rey

During a news conference on Sunday, officers said two off-duty police officers neutralized the female suspect after she opened fire at Lakewood Church in Houston.

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A child was shot at Joel Osteen’s megachurch