Lakewood Church shooting: Off-duty cops Moreno and Herrera hailed for halting Genesse Moreno's attack

HOUSTON, TEXAS: Police continue to investigate the reason why 36-year-old Genesse Moreno opened fire inside the Lakewood Church on February 12, however internet is now gushing praise over two officers for stopping her assault within minutes.

Houston police investigators said that Moreno arrived at the church on Sunday afternoon armed with an AR-15 and a .22-caliber rifle. Police said after pointing the AR-15 at a security guard, she made her way inside and started firing.

Who were the two officers who stopped Moreno's assault?

The two off-duty officers, who were on leave, HPD Officer Christopher Moreno and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission Officer Adrian Herrera took Genesse Moreno down.

Both the officers were working as security at the church when Genesse Moreno walked into the west entrance of the church and began firing an AR-style rifle.

"We are extremely thankful for the quick response of the two officers," said Douglas Williams, the special agent in charge of the Houston FBI office. "There is no doubt that their heroic actions saved lives."

The police officer and Genesse Moreno are not related, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said. Police also added that Genesse entered a gun battle with the officers before she was shot. During the exchange, the accused's 7-year-old boy was hit in the head.

As per, Lakewood Church spokesman, according to Houston Chronicle Moreno and the child entered through an entrance for disabled people rather than the main entrance where a security bag check is located.

Genesse also had a criminal history, including misdemeanor convictions of assault and unlawful carrying of a weapon, as well a documented history of mental illness, which included her being placed in emergency detention by police in 2016. 

Internet reacts

On X, (previously known as Twitter) Glendale Arizona FOP Lodge 12 uploaded a thanking video, captioned, “Two off-duty officers put down the active shooter at Lakewood Church quickly, saving countless lives. Real heroes who won't get a trophy today.”

There were heaps of comments and reactions on the tweet. A user wrote,"Wow! God bless these officers ~" Another user wrote, "We don’t care about football. We care about our men and women officers.”

A user said, "They acted quickly and decisively to protect every one there. Thank them for saving lives." While another user wrote,"No. The real heroes are never rewarded here. I think they will be rewarded in Heaven."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.