Houston megachurch holds healing and thanksgiving service a week after deadly shooting

HOUSTON (AP) – A Houston megachurch held a special service Sunday, a week after a woman opened fire in one of its hallways before being gunned down by security officers.

Lakewood Church, run by celebrity pastor Joel Osteen, has not had services since the Feb. 11 shooting that sent worshippers scrambling for safety.

Osteen says Sunday’s service was meant to celebrate a “time of healing and restoration.” Police say Genesse Moreno entered the church with her 7-year-old son and opened fire.

A police officer stands at the top of the steps inside Lakewood Church, Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024, in Houston. Pastor Joel Osteen welcomed worshippers back to Lakewood Church Sunday for the first time since a woman with an AR-style opened fire in between services at his Texas megachurch last Sunday. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Two people were injured, including her son, who was shot in the head. The boy remains hospitalized. Questions about the shooting remained unanswered, including Moreno’s motive.

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