The former mother-in-law of the woman who carried out a shooting in a Texas megachurch has revealed that the FBI found antisemitic materials in the shooter’s home, including a painting with the words “Death to Jews.”
Walli Carranza, whose son was married to the shooter, Genesse Moreno, stated that she spent several hours with the FBI, during which they showed her various writings and hateful materials.
However, Carranza, who identifies as a rabbi trained in the Jewish Universalist tradition, attributes Moreno’s actions to mental illness rather than antisemitism, emphasizing that Moreno had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.
FBI (Credits: KHOU)
Carranza dismissed the notion that Moreno was antisemitic, describing it as “ridiculous.” She suggested that Moreno’s interest in pro-Palestinian rhetoric and attendance at pro-Palestinian rallies may have triggered her actions, emphasizing that mental health issues played a significant role.
The shooting occurred at Lakewood Church in Houston, where Moreno opened fire and was subsequently killed by off-duty police officers providing security.
Unfortunately, Moreno’s 7-year-old son, Sam, who is Carranza’s grandson, was critically injured in the exchange of gunfire, sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.
Regarding the FBI’s findings, Carranza revealed that Moreno had expressed anger and fascination with pro-Palestinian causes, which may have played a role in her actions. However, she maintained that mental illness was the primary factor behind the incident.
The FBI, when approached for comment, referred requests to the Houston police, who, in a social media post on X, stated that “no other details are being released” due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The case underscores the complex interplay between mental health issues, personal beliefs, and acts of violence, prompting ongoing scrutiny and investigation into the motives behind the tragic incident at the Texas megachurch.
