In a shocking incident on Sunday, a shooting took place at Pastor Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch, which ended after two off-duty officers killed the attacker. The assailant, a 36-year-old woman armed with two weapons, including an AR-15, was shot and killed after opening fire inside the church. Tragically, her 7-year-old son, who was brought along with her, was critically injured in the crossfire.
Now, the shooter's mother-in-law is speaking out, claiming that this horrifying incident could have been prevented. She revealed that her former daughter-in-law had a history of mental illness and that the family had made numerous attempts to seek help over the years. The mother-in-law recounted instances of threats towards family members, including the husband and herself, as well as threats to the young boy's life. Despite their efforts to involve authorities such as Child Protective Services and the police, intervention was not successful. It is alarming to note that the shooter was still allowed to own firearms, despite the concerns raised by her family.
The mother-in-law emphasized the importance of recognizing mental illness as a real illness that requires urgent attention and intervention. She expressed her belief that seeking emergency protections is not only for the safety of others but also for the sake of the person suffering from the illness.
The local Child Protective Services and other authorities involved are currently investigating the situation. However, due to privacy issues, they are unable to comment on the case. The shooter's mother-in-law's account underscores the potential signs and signals that may have been overlooked or ignored, indicating missed opportunities to prevent this tragedy.
It is worth noting that the shooter had a criminal history, and her mental health issues were known to the police. Past mugshots from as far back as 2005 highlight her troubled past. In a troubling social media post, she proudly flaunted the lethal weapons she possessed.
Furthermore, the absence of red flag laws in Texas has raised questions about whether existing legislation could have been utilized to prevent this incident. Investigators are currently examining this aspect, seeking to understand if any measures could have been taken within the confines of Texas law to deny the shooter access to firearms.
Lastly, the critical condition of the young boy remains a matter of concern. Sustaining a gunshot wound to the head during the incident, he is presently fighting for his life.
As the investigation continues, authorities and the community at large are grappling with the tragic consequences of this preventable horror. It serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address mental health adequately and implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
