This compilation of officer bodycam footage, provided by the Houston Police Department, shows the perspective of three officers responding to the active shooter at Lakewood Church on 11 February, 2024. While censored, children and the bodies of the shooter and her victims are shown. Therefore, extreme discretion is advised.

The video begins from the perspective of Officer Garcia, who is in a conversation with several other officers as the shooting begins. Knowing the complete picture from the outside looking in, it takes a horrifyingly long time for Garcia and her partner to understand what is happening and move toward the gunfire. Their fear is palpable as they whisper to each other about going forward but failing to do so. At 03:00, Garcia prays, while down the hall, Officer Moreno and an off-duty TABC officer exchange fire with the suspect. A victim can be seen on the floor at 03:26 as the pair finally move forward. At 03:35, an off-duty officer who engaged the suspect confirms that "she's down." In the background, Officer Moreno can be heard announcing his presence as "blue, blue, blue," to avoid friendly fire.

The collective group of officers then move with caution, as, based on the suspect's statements, they are concerned that she may be in possession of a bomb. However, upon search, no bomb was found. Garcia then kneels by the victim, a child, and prays again, rendering nothing in terms of aid. Nothing. A CHILD, and she does NOTHING. Before we move on to Officer Moreno, it's worth noting that despite suspecting the shooter of having a bomb, everyone is on their radio. It's generally discouraged to use radio or cell phone traffic in close proximity to a bomb, as either may trigger the detonator.

At 05:53, we switch to the perspective of Officer Moreno. It's important to note that the Officer is not related, nor the be confused with the shooter, identified as 36-year-old Genesse Moreno. The Officer and suspect exchange gunfire as Officer Moreno peeks around a corner. He recognizes that he is stuck between the shooter and the TABC officer, who are exchanging fire. At 06:34, the suspect can be heard making threats alluding to a bomb. Bafflingly, after literally dragging her 7-year-old to a gunfight in a church, firing a rifle, she yells "Stay calm, all I need is help." At 08:31 the suspect is down and Moreno emerges, stating "blue" as in the earlier footage. At the behest of the TABC Officer, Officer Moreno gloves up and attempts to take possession of the suspect's rifle, but a bystander, confusing her for a victim, tries to take it at 10:52.

At 12:15, we see the last included footage- that of Sheriff's Deputy Orellana. Of the police responding in this footage, he is the last to arrive, although he is coming from further away than Garcia and her partner. He calmly reports information to dispatch, but is otherwise uninvolved in the firefight.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

Need a tried-and-tested fixed blade that's trusted by police, military and protective service users all over the world? Cole recommends Ironside Edge Works for your tactical or EDC blade needs.