FBI aiding Houston police in investigating Lakewood Church shooting

• Quick response of security officers saved lives.

• FBI is assisting the Houston Police Department in the investigation.

• Motive for the shooter's actions is still unknown.

Houston Police officers watch over displaced churchgoers outside Lakewood Church, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Houston, after a reported shooting during a Spanish church service. (Karen Warren/Houston Ch

AP

Houston, Texas - A shooting incident at Lakewood Church on Sunday afternoon has left the community in shock and mourning. The FBI and Houston Police Department (HPD) swiftly responded to the tragic event, and investigative efforts are currently underway to uncover the motives behind the attack.

Special Agent Doug Williams, in charge of the FBI's Houston field office, expressed his gratitude towards the quick response of two security officers located at the church at the time of the incident. Their heroic actions undoubtedly prevented further loss of life, as they engaged the shooter with remarkable bravery. Williams acknowledged their efforts, stating that their actions saved lives and minimized the number of casualties.

Williams also emphasized that the FBI's collaboration with HPD remains a top priority. The FBI has extensive resources and expertise that can be deployed to assist local law enforcement during such incidents. This includes technical resources, personnel resources such as agents, investigative analysts, evidence response teams, and victim service specialists. These resources were immediately deployed to support HPD in their ongoing investigation. The collaboration between these agencies will continue until the case is resolved.

As for the motive behind the shooting, both the FBI and HPD remain cautious in providing specific details at this time. Williams stressed that it is premature to speculate, as the investigation is based on factual evidence that is currently being collected. The process of uncovering these facts and evidence will take time, and neither agency is willing to rush to any conclusions.

In light of the ongoing investigation, the FBI urges anyone with information regarding Sunday's shooting at Lakewood Church to come forward and contact the Houston Police Department. HPD is the lead investigative agency in this case, and they are actively seeking leads and information that could aid in the progress of the investigation.

The community of Houston, along with the larger United States, mourns for the innocent lives lost in this tragic incident. The shooting serves as a sobering reminder of the sad reality that active shooter events can occur anywhere and at any time. But it is through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies like the FBI and HPD, along with the bravery and quick thinking of individuals present at the scene, that tragedies are minimized and lives are saved.

As the investigation continues, the agencies involved remain committed to uncovering the truth. Their joint determination, coupled with the support of the community, will play a vital role in ensuring justice for the victims of this devastating incident.