HOUSTON, Texas – A shooting at lakewood church in Houston Sunday results in the death of one person.
Based on preliminary information the shooter was a woman between 30-34 years of age. She was accompanied by a child and was armed with a gun. The shooter was shot down at the scene.
A child and a 57-year-old man were taken to an area hospital.
This happened right before 2 p.m. during the spanish service.
Witness at the scene tell 25 News Now Anchor Karina Garcia, that the shots came from within the church, near the choir area, on the second floor, causing mass panic.
The spanish pastors Danilo Montero and Gloriana Diaz Montero were seen comforting church goers in the
reunification center, which was a small area where family members were able to reunite with loved ones amidst the chaos.
An 11-year old boy told Karina Garcia he was separated from his 5-year-old sister and ran to the bathroom to barricade himself inside, he said his daycare
teacher grabbed a box cutter and told everyone to get behind him. The boy says he was praying, hoping that his sister would be okay.
As of now, the status of the child and man taken to the hospital is currently unknown as the story develops.
“Today’s shooting at Lakewood Church is yet another example of the danger and trauma that reckless gun laws have bestowed upon our communities. No
place of worship, shopping center, classroom, or shared public space is safe under the leadership of those that place the gun lobby over Texans’ safety. We are
praying for the injured and all those impacted by this senseless act of violence. Texans do not deserve to live in fear of a shooting at any time, and as more details emerge – we are grateful for
the swift response of first responders under Mayor Whitmire’s leadership,” said Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa.
Our hearts are with those impacted by today’s tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston. Places of worship are sacred. I
have been in contact with Mayor Whitmire and offered the full support and resources of the State of Texas, including Department of Public Safety
officers and Texas Rangers, to help this community and help bring swift justice to the criminal who committed this heinous act. Join Cecilia and me in
praying for this community during this difficult time and for the brave men and women in blue who acted quickly to respond to this tragedy.”