‘Pure act of evil.’ Joel Osteen issues statement after bodycam footage of shooting released
HOUSTON – Joel Osteen has issued his first statement following HPD’s release of bodycam footage of the Lakewood Church shooting.
In an email to members of the church sent out Tuesday, he called the “tragic event of February 11th” a “pure act of evil.”
In the two weeks since Genesse Moreno entered Lakewood Church and opened fire, Osteen said he has found himself “in continual praise and thanksgiving to God for how He protected our church family.”
“As each new Sunday comes to pass, our church family finds more confidence, and our faith only grows stronger. You are Lakewood Church. Your steadfastness and resolve to be a source of healing to our church family and the community around us has amazed us,” Osteen said.
The email goes on to say, “In the days ahead, may we lean on each other for support and draw strength from the unshakable foundation of our faith. Let us cling to the promise that God “works all things together for the good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28), trusting that even in the midst of this tragic event, He is working out His perfect plan.”
Moreno was killed during the shootout with authorities, while her 7-year-old son was shot in the head. The child remains in critical condition.