Woman killed after shoot-out at Houston megachurch with young son at her side
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Police have released body camera footage capturing a woman opening fire on a Texas church with her seven-year-old son at her side.
The video depicted frantic scenes as worshippers fled the gunfire at Lakewood Church in Houston and two off-duty officers, serving as security, shot the woman dead on Feb 11.
The church is run by celebrity priest Joel Osteen, one of the wealthiest and most influential pastors in the US, known for his weekly televised services and best-selling books.
Houston Police have identified the woman, who was killed in the church hallway, as 36-year-old Genesse Moreno.
Moreno’s son sustained a gunshot wound to the head during the shooting, while a 57-year-old man also sustained a leg injury.
Worshipers were arriving for a Spanish language service at the time of the shootout, which took place in one of the largest places of worship in the US, seating around 16,000 people when at full capacity.
Authorities are investigating potential motives for the shooting, including a family dispute and a history of mental illness.
They added that the gun used in the shooting featured a sticker reading “Palestine”, so Moreno’s political views have not been ruled out as a motive for the attack.
