Shooting Incident at Houston Megachurch

byline: Houston, Texas

Lakewood Church, one of the largest megachurches in the United States, had earlier alerted its followers on social media about an "active situation involving shots fired" during their busy Sunday services. As a precautionary measure, the church was evacuated while law enforcement agencies conducted a thorough search of the premises in coordination with the police.

The Houston megachurch, known to attract approximately 45,000 worshippers for its weekly services, ranks as the third-largest megachurch in the country according to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Additionally, Pastor Osteen's sermons are televised, reaching audiences in around 100 nations worldwide.

Eye-witnesses at the scene described hearing multiple gunshots near the start of the church's 2 p.m. Spanish language service. Speaking to Houston television station KTRK, Christina Rodriguez recounted the panic inside the church as people realized there was a shooter present. She and others took shelter in the backside of a library before eventually being guided to safety.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences for those affected by the tragic shooting and extended his support to the Lakewood Church community, acknowledging the sanctity of places of worship.

More information regarding the incident will be shared during an upcoming news conference by the relevant law enforcement agencies.