In a shocking incident, a suspected female shooter was fatally shot by law enforcement officers after allegedly opening fire at Lakewood Church in Houston on Sunday afternoon. The reported shooting took place in the 3700 block of the Southwest Freeway. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, an early post from Lakewood Church on social media alerted the public about the "active situation involving shots fired" at the church.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner provided further details about the incident. He stated that at around 1:53 p.m., a female suspect, approximately 30-35 years old, entered the west side of the church's property parking lot. She was armed with a long rifle, wearing a trench coat, and carrying a backpack. Shockingly, she was accompanied by a 4 or 5-year-old child. As soon as she entered the premises, she began firing her weapon. Finner commended the off-duty officers present at the scene, who promptly engaged with the suspect, preventing a potentially more devastating outcome. "It could have been a lot worse," Finner acknowledged. "They stepped up and did their job."

After being shot, the female suspect threatened to have a bomb. However, upon searching her vehicle and backpack, no explosive device was found. Tragically, the suspect died at the scene. The child who was with her sustained injuries and is currently in critical condition at Children's Texas. Additionally, a 57-year-old man was shot in the leg or hip and is receiving treatment at a hospital.

Authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting. Governor Greg Abbott expressed his condolences and offered the full support and resources of the state, including the Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers, to ensure swift justice for the perpetrator. "Our hearts are with those impacted by today's tragic shooting and the entire Lakewood Church community in Houston," Abbott said in a statement, emphasizing the sanctity of places of worship.

The two off-duty officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative duty, which is standard protocol in officer-involved shootings. The administrative investigations will continue to shed light on the incident. Lakewood Church, founded by Joel and Delores Osteen, is one of the largest congregations in the country, with an average of about 45,000 attendees per week.

The Houston Police Department and Houston Fire Department swiftly responded to reports of the shooting at Lakewood Church. Police arrived at the scene at approximately 2:24 p.m. local time. Fire Department spokesperson Martee Black confirmed their involvement and stated that the fire department is also responding to the incident. Images and videos from outside the church showed a multitude of police cars and emergency vehicles lining up.

At present, the exact number of individuals injured in the shooting remains unknown. The Houston Police Department has been asked for further information regarding the casualties. The scene is still active, and law enforcement has urged people to avoid the area. Lakewood Church issued a brief statement on social media, informing the public that law enforcement is present and requesting prayers for the church and the community.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez provided additional updates on the situation. He cautioned that the information available is still preliminary due to the dynamic nature of the ongoing investigation. It is believed that one of the deputies on the scene shot the possible shooter, who is now down. Eyewitness accounts shed light on the terrifying moments inside the church. Maria, a Colombian woman who witnessed the shooting, recalled hearing the first shot approximately eight minutes before the church service was scheduled to begin. Panic ensued after the second shot, prompting everyone to run for safety. Maria and her family took cover on the floor until they were informed it was safe to leave. She tearfully recounted calling her husband and father, fearing it might be their last conversation. Maria expressed her disbelief at finding herself caught up in such a harrowing event.

The investigation is still ongoing, and updates are expected as authorities gather more information. Lakewood Church, a prominent megachurch located about 6 miles from downtown Houston, has confirmed the reports of shots fired and is cooperating with law enforcement. As the community grapples with this tragic incident, the thoughts and prayers of the nation are with the victims and their families.