Houston Church Shooting: Off-Duty Officer Kills Woman While Child Injured

Houston, Texas United States of America
On Sunday, February 11th, a woman entered Lakewood Church in Houston with a long rifle and opened fire. The shooter was accompanied by a small child who was also injured in the shooting.
Two off-duty officers shot and killed the woman while she was still firing at them.
Houston Church Shooting: Off-Duty Officer Kills Woman While Child Injured

On Sunday, February 11th, a woman entered Lakewood Church in Houston with a long rifle and opened fire. The shooter was accompanied by a small child who was also injured in the shooting. Two off-duty officers shot and killed the woman while she was still firing at them. One of these officers is an agent with four years of service, while the other has two years of experience as an officer.



Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if the shooter had any prior criminal history or mental health issues.

Sources

74%

  • Unique Points
    • A woman entered Lakewood Church with a rifle and opened fire.
    • The shooter was armed with a long rifle, trench coat, backpack and small child.
  • Accuracy
    • A woman entered Lakewood Church with a rifle and opened fire. She was killed by off-duty police officers.
    • Two people were injured in the shooting: a 5-year-old child who is in critical condition at a hospital and a 57-year-old man who was shot in his leg. The relationship between them and the shooter is unclear.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it states that a woman entered the Lakewood Church with a rifle and opened fire on an off-duty officer who was working at the church. However, this statement contradicts itself as there are no references to any officers being present or involved in the shooting incident.
    • The article claims that 'two off-duty law enforcement officers' were present when a woman entered Lakewood Church and opened fire on an officer who was working at the church. However, this statement contradicts itself as there are no references to any officers being present or involved in the shooting incident.
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several fallacies. The author uses an appeal to authority by quoting Joel Osteen's statement about God being in control and the forces of evil being weaker than those for good. This is a form of hasty generalization as it assumes that all Christians believe this, which may not be true. Additionally, the article contains inflammatory rhetoric when Chief Finner describes the woman who entered Lakewood Church as
    • The police said that a woman entered Lakewood Church and opened fire.
    • <br>Two off-duty law enforcement officers who were working at the church shot and killed her.
  • Bias (80%)
    The article contains a clear example of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'forces of evil' to describe those who may have committed this crime and implies that God is stronger than these forces. This language creates an us-vs.-them mentality and suggests that there are only two sides in this situation, which can be seen as polarizing.
    • The police said that a woman entered Lakewood Church, a Christian megachurch led by Joel Osteen and opened fire. She was killed by off-duty police officers.
      • We’re devastated. I mean, we’ve been here 65 years — and to have somebody shooting in your church. But, you know, we don’t understand why these things happen, but we know God’s in control.
      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
        None Found At Time Of Publication
      • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
        The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of Lakewood Church and Joel Osteen as they are both affiliated with the church. The article also mentions Houston Police Department and Chief Troy Finner which could be another potential source of bias.

        67%

        • Unique Points
          • A woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle and accompanied by a young child entered pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon and began firing.
          • Two off-duty law enforcement officers, including an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, engaged and struck the woman who died on the scene.
        • Accuracy
          • A woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle and accompanied by a young child entered pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon and began firing. Two off-duty law enforcement officers, including an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, engaged and struck the woman who died on the scene.
          • Two people were injured in the shooting: a 5-year-old child who is in critical condition at a hospital and a 57-year-old man who was shot in his leg. The relationship between them and the shooter is unclear.
        • Deception (50%)
          The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article implies that Joel Osteen was shot and injured when he wasn't. Secondly, it states that a woman entered Lakewood Church with a long rifle and began firing but does not mention who she was or what her motives were for doing so. Thirdly, it mentions two off-duty law enforcement officers engaging the shooter but doesn't provide any details about their actions or how they managed to stop the shooter. Fourthly, it states that a 57-year-old man who authorities don't believe was connected to the incident was shot in the leg and is seeking treatment at a hospital, which could be seen as misleading since he wasn't actually involved in any shooting or violence. Lastly, it mentions an investigation will take place into the shooting but doesn't provide any details about what that investigation entails.
          • The title of the article implies that Joel Osteen was shot and injured when he wasn't.
        • Fallacies (70%)
          The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when the author cites Houston Police Chief Troy Finner as a source for information about the shooting and its aftermath. This creates a false sense of credibility without providing any evidence or context for Finner's statements.
          • Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
        • Bias (85%)
          The article contains a clear example of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'a woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle' to describe the shooter, which immediately implies that she is dangerous and violent due to her choice of weapon. This language creates an unfair stereotype about people who use firearms for self-defense or other legitimate purposes.
          • a woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle
          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            The article discusses the shooting at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston and the involvement of off-duty law enforcement officers. The author is Raja Razek, who has a financial tie to Lakewood Church as he was previously employed there. Additionally, Christina Maxouris has a professional affiliation with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agent, which may be relevant to the shooting at Joel Osteen's church.
            • Christina Maxouris has a professional affiliation with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agent
              • Raja Razek is a former employee of Lakewood Church
              • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of shooting as they are reporting on an incident that occurred at Lakewood Church. The church is known for its association with Joel Osteen and Houston police, which could compromise their ability to report objectively.

                70%

                • Unique Points
                  • A female shooter opened fire on Sunday afternoon at pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston
                  • The woman entered the church at 1:53 p.m.
                  • Two off-duty officers shot the female shooter and she died on scene
                  • Another 57-year-old man unassociated with the shooter was also shot in his leg
                • Accuracy
                  • Two off-duty officers shot the female shooter
                  • She threatened that she had a bomb
                  • Law enforcement did not identify the shooter's motive or her identity
                • Deception (50%)
                  The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article implies that Joel Osteen was killed by a female shooter when in fact she died from her injuries after being shot by off-duty officers. Secondly, the author states that 'No one else at the church died' but fails to mention that two people were injured and are currently receiving medical attention. Thirdly, the article mentions several mass shootings in places of worship without providing any context or linking them back to Joel Osteen or Lakewood Church. This is an attempt to create a connection between Joel Osteen and gun violence which does not exist.
                  • The title implies that Joel Osteen was killed by a female shooter when in fact she died from her injuries after being shot by off-duty officers.
                • Fallacies (85%)
                  The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church has one of the nation's largest congregations without providing any evidence or citation for this claim. Additionally, the article uses inflammatory rhetoric by stating that a female shooter opened fire on Sunday afternoon at pastor Joel Osteen's megachurch in Houston and that she was fatally shot by off-duty officers. This statement is highly sensationalized and could be seen as an attempt to elicit strong emotions from the reader rather than providing accurate information. The article also contains a dichotomous depiction of Joel Osteen's reaction to the shooting, stating that he was devastated and in a fog while simultaneously saying that God is in control. This creates a contradiction between his emotional state and his religious beliefs. Finally, the article uses an informal fallacy by quoting people without providing any context or information about their background or expertise.
                  • The female shooter opened fire on Sunday afternoon at pastor Joel Osteen's megachurch in Houston
                  • Joel Osteen said that he was devastated and in a fog after the shooting
                  • Several mass shootings have occurred in U.S. houses of worship in recent years
                • Bias (85%)
                  The article contains a clear example of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'America's No. 1 sports event', which is likely referring to the Super Bowl and implies that it is more important than attending church on Sunday afternoon. This statement shows a preference for secular events over religious ones, indicating potential bias towards non-religious beliefs.
                  • The author uses the phrase 'America's No. 1 sports event', which is likely referring to the Super Bowl and implies that it is more important than attending church on Sunday afternoon.
                  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                    Pooja Salhotra has a conflict of interest on the topic of mass shootings in U.S houses of worship as she is reporting on the November 2017 shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and December 2019 shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ, both events that occurred in Texas.
                    • Pooja Salhotra reports on the mass shootings in U.S houses of worship, specifically mentioning the November 2017 shooting at First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and December 2019 shooting at West Freeway Church of Christ.
                    • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                      The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of mass shootings in U.S houses of worship as she mentions two specific incidents that occurred at churches in Texas.

                      71%

                      • Unique Points
                        • , the woman walked into the property on the west side of the church from the parking lot.
                        • , authorities said she began to fire after entering building.
                      • Accuracy
                        • A woman is dead and two others were injured in a shooting at Lakewood Church in Houston. The shooter was armed with a long rifle, trench coat, and backpack.
                        • The woman walked into the property on the west side of the church from the parking lot.
                      • Deception (50%)
                        The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the headline claims that a female shooter was killed and a child shot at Joel Osteen's church. However, upon reading further it becomes clear that only one person died - the woman who entered the property with a long rifle and trench coat and backpack.
                        • The article states in its headline that two people were injured following the shooting but does not mention anything about any injuries sustained by law enforcement officers. This is deceptive as it implies that only innocent people were hurt, when in fact one of those who was injured was a TABC agent and an HPD officer.
                        • The article states that authorities searched the woman's vehicle and backpack for explosives but no such devices were found. However, this information is not mentioned until later in the article which implies that it may have been important to know at the time of reporting.
                      • Fallacies (85%)
                        The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when it states that the woman was armed with a long rifle and trench coat and backpack. This implies that she must be dangerous or evil because of her appearance, but there is no evidence presented in the article to support this claim.
                        • The woman was armed with a long rifle and trench coat and backpack.
                      • Bias (85%)
                        The article contains a statement that the woman who was shot at Lakewood Church in Houston had a bomb and authorities searched her vehicle and backpack. However, no explosives were found. This is an example of monetary bias as it implies that the woman may have been motivated by money to commit this crime.
                        • The statement that the woman who was shot at Lakewood Church in Houston had a bomb and authorities searched her vehicle and backpack.
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          Ronnie Marley has a conflict of interest on the topic of shooting at Joel Osteen Church in Houston as he is an employee of Lakewood Church.
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            Ronnie Marley has a conflict of interest on the topic of shooting as he is reporting on an incident that occurred at Joel Osteen Church in Houston. He also has a conflict of interest on the topic of Lakewood Church and Texas Children's Hospital as they are mentioned in relation to this incident.
                            • Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church, was reportedly present during the shooting.

                            63%

                            • Unique Points
                              • A woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle and accompanied by a young child entered pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon and began firing. Two off-duty law enforcement officers, including an agent with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, engaged and struck the woman who died on the scene.
                              • Two people were injured in the shooting: a 5-year-old child who is in critical condition at a hospital and a 57-year-old man who was shot in his leg. The relationship between them and the shooter is unclear.
                            • Accuracy
                              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                            • Deception (50%)
                              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the title of the article implies that Joel Osteen was injured when he wasn't. Secondly, it states that a woman entered Lakewood Church and began firing but doesn't mention who she was or what her motives were for doing so. Thirdly, it mentions two off-duty law enforcement officers engaging with the shooter but fails to disclose their identities or affiliations which could be important information in understanding the context of the situation. Fourthly, it states that a 57-year-old man was shot and seeking treatment at a hospital but doesn't provide any details about his relationship to the incident or why he was targeted. Lastly, it mentions an investigation taking place into the shooting but fails to disclose who is conducting the investigation or what their findings are.
                              • The title of the article implies that Joel Osteen was injured when he wasn't.
                            • Fallacies (70%)
                              The article contains several fallacies. The first is an appeal to authority when the author cites Houston Police Chief Troy Finner as a source for information about the shooting and its aftermath. This creates a false sense of credibility without providing any evidence or context for Finner's statements.
                              • Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
                            • Bias (85%)
                              The article contains a clear example of religious bias. The author uses the phrase 'a woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle' to describe the shooter, which immediately implies that she is dangerous and violent due to her choice of weapon. This language creates an unfair stereotype about people who use firearms for self-defense or other legitimate purposes.
                              • a woman in a trench coat armed with a long rifle
                              • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                The article discusses the shooting at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston and the involvement of off-duty law enforcement officers. The author is Raja Razek, who has a financial tie to Lakewood Church as he was previously employed by them. Additionally, Christina Maxouris has a professional affiliation with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), which may have an interest in the shooting at Lakewood Church.
                                • Christina Maxouris has a professional affiliation with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), which may have an interest in the shooting at Lakewood Church.
                                  • Raja Razek is a former employee of Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church.
                                  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                                    The author has a conflict of interest on the topic of shooting as they are reporting on an incident that occurred at Lakewood Church. The church is known for its association with Joel Osteen and Houston police, which could compromise their ability to report objectively.