Osteen said that he could only imagine what would have happened if the shooter opened fire at the church’s 11 a.m. service. Lakewood Church averages 45,000 churchgoers every week.
“We were in between services going into the Spanish service. So you know, if there’s anything good of it…she didn’t get in there and do a whole lot worse damage. So we thank God for that,” Osteen said. “He’s watching over all of us.”
RELATED: TikToker Claims Joel Osteen Got Him Fired After Harassing Osteen in a TikTok Video
“I want to commend those officers,” Houston’s chief of police Troy Finner told reporters. “She had a long gun and it could have been a lot worse. But they stepped up and they did their job and I want to thank them for that.”
Houston mayor John Whitmire praised the off-duty officers for their quick response in neutralizing the situation. “When you leave here today, go hug your loved ones and say a prayer for those that are involved. Say a prayer for those officers that had to drop this suspect—they’re suffering right now,” the mayor said.
Police are still investigating the shooter’s motive and are unsure of her relationship with the 7-year-old child.
Osteen Releases Statement
Following the shooting, Osteen released a statement asking people to join in him praying for “healing and peace.”
“Our community is devastated by today’s events and grateful for the swift actions of law enforcement. May the healing hands of God touch the lives of everyone involved and provide comfort during this difficult time,” Osteen wrote.
RELATED: There Is Only One Problem With the Uproar Over Joel Osteen’s Ferrari
The pastor said that “in the face of such darkness, we must hold onto our faith and remember evil will not prevail. God will guide us through the darkest of times. Together, we will rise above this tragedy and stand firm in our commitment to love and support one another.”
“In times like these, our faith is tested, but it is also strengthened. We don’t always understand why things like this happen, but we know that God is in control,” Osteen said. “Please join me in continued prayer for healing and peace.”
Editor’s note: This article has been updated to reflect the child’s age as seven years old, not five as initially reported.
 left the shooter fatally wounded, a 7-year-old boy in critical condition, and a 57-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the leg area.){kind=link}