Several people were also shot, four of whom were seriously injured, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. An approximately 60-year-old man of Asian origin was arrested and two firearms were secured. Nothing was initially known about the background to the incident.
Motive unclear
The police reportedly received an emergency call from the Presbyterian Church at 1:26 p.m. (local time). Rescue workers rushed to the church to treat the injured. “One victim died at the scene,” the sheriff’s office said. All victims are therefore adults. The motive of the perpetrator is still being determined, said Jeff Hallock of the Orange County police later at a press conference. According to a report by the Los Angeles Times, the victims were also predominantly of Asian origin, with most of them from Taiwan.
Tied up with extension cord
About 30 to 40 believers from the church in the town of Laguna Woods, about 70 kilometers south of Los Angeles, were gathered for a meal after attending mass when the attack began, police said. Accordingly, the churchgoers were able to overpower the attacker and hold him until the police arrived. They “tied his legs with an extension cord and seized at least two guns,” Hallock said. “This group of churchgoers showed exceptional heroism and bravery.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said it is working with local authorities to monitor the situation. “No one should be afraid to go to worship. Our thoughts are with the victims.” Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter, the Orange County seat in the House of Representatives in Washington, spoke of “shattering and disturbing news, especially less than a day after the Buffalo shooting.” She added: “This shouldn’t be our new normal.”
A gunman opened fire at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday, killing at least ten people. The investigators assume a racist motive. The crime caused widespread outrage across the country. US President Joe Biden will travel to Buffalo on Tuesday to mourn with the community, the White House said on Sunday evening (local time).
Source: Nachrichten
