Popular American preacher Joel Osteen has come out to speak on the shooting incident at his Lakewood Church that claimed one life.
In a post on Facebook, Osteen said,
“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.”
He added,
“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…In times like these, our faith is tested but it is also strengthened… Please join me in continued prayer for healing and peace.”
Messages of support on social media have been flowing in following the incident at the Church.
According to media reports, a female shooter on Sunday, February 11 entered the church in the afternoon with her 7-year-old child and started shooting making congregants run to safety.
Two off-duty officers came to the rescue and the shooter was killed following the incident while the child was shot in the head and taken to hospital in critical condition. It is yet to be known which officer shot the minor.
The shooter had a rifle with a Palestine sticker and had concealed it under her trench coat before entering the church building. She had a history of mental health issues.
The shooter has been identified as 36-year-old Genesse Ivonne Moreno and may have pointed her weapon at a security officer to force her way into the church, according to police reports.
Mass shooting menace in the United States of America (USA)
Mass shootings have become a huge problem in the USA. Armed assailants have in the past shot and killed children and adults at schools, grocery stores, and places of worship.
The incidences have caused an enormous division between factions supporting the right to protect themselves and those who want more strict regulations around gun ownership to help avert gun violence in the country.
A recent case saw a mother and father in court for buying their son who had a problematic life a gun which he used for a mass shooting at his school.
Their son, now 17, is serving life in prison for killing four classmates at Oxford High School in Michigan on November 30, 2021 according to the BBC. Seven people were also injured in the shooting.
Who is Joel Osteen?
Joel Osteen is a popular American preacher with thousands of congregants at his Houston, Texas Lakewood Church, which is located in a building that initially was a sports complex.
He took over the church from his father who passed away. Osteen is also an author and in the digital age, his messages are also available online on various platforms reaching millions of people.
Lakewood is a megachurch and what sets Osteen apart from other popular megachurch preachers is his inspirational preaching that has earned him a huge following.
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