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One person was killed and five others wounded after a gunman stormed a church attended by Taiwanese congregants Sunday in Laguna Woods in Southern California and opened fire, law enforcement authorities said.
Police said the suspect, an Asian man in his 60s, is in custody.
By the time they arrived at the Geneva Presbyterian Church on El Toro Road, cops said at a press conference Sunday afternoon, the worshipers had the man hog-tied and in custody.
“I think it’s safe to say that had people not intervened, it could have been much worse,” Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said, adding that the group of churchgoers displayed “what we believe is exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to stop the suspect.
“They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities.”
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The gunfire occurred during a lunch banquet after the morning service and was held to fete a former pastor of a Taiwanese congregation, according to a statement from the Presbytery of Los Ranchos, a church administrative body.
Most of the congregants inside the church at the time of the shooting were of Taiwanese descent, Carrie Braun, a spokeswoman for the Orange County Sheriff department said.
About 30 people witnessed the violence, Braun told the Daily News. Two handguns were recovered at the scene.
Laguna Woods is about 42 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
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“All are welcome here,” the church’s website proclaims.
“Really, we mean that! All are welcome! Just as God receives all who believe in Jesus Christ, Geneva aspires to be an inclusive congregation worshipping, learning, connecting, giving, and serving together. Join us for worship! We look forward to meeting you.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Twitter that he was closely monitoring the shooting. “No one should have to fear going to their place of worship. Our thoughts are with the victims, community, and all those impacted by this tragic event.”
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Laguna Woods started out as a senior living community and morphed into a city with a population of more than 18,000. More than 80% of its residents are over age 65.
The California shooting comes a day after an 18-year-old man shot and killed 10 people in a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, N.Y.
With News Wire Services
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