National News

Gunman Kills 1, Injures 5 In California Church

Geneva Presbyterian Church is located in Laguna Woods, a community with a population of 18,000 people. (Photo: Google Maps)

PROSPECT HEIGHTS — A gunman shot multiple people in a Southern California church on Sunday, May 15, killing one person and injuring five others, law enforcement officials said.

The shooting took place inside Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, a community located approximately 50 miles from Los Angeles. 

The suspect, described as an Asian man in his 60s, was nabbed at the scene.

At a press conference Sunday evening, authorities said churchgoers somehow subdued the shooter with an extension cord, hogtied him and detained him until police arrived to take him into custody.

The church goers also disarmed the suspect, seizing two guns from him, authorities said.

Police have not released the name of the deceased or the other victims. Four of the victims were critically injured. One suffered minor injuries. 

“Dispatch received a call of a shooting inside Geneva Presbyterian Church at 1:26 p.m.,” the Orange County Sheriff’s Department tweeted shortly after the incident. “Four victims have been critically wounded, one with minor injuries. All victims are adults and are enroute to the hospital. One victim is deceased at the scene.”

As of Sunday afternoon, police were still interviewing more than 30 people who were inside the church at the time of the shooting. According to media reports, many of the people who were there at the time were members of a Taiwanese community that holds services at Geneva Presbyterian.

A member of the church’s presbytery posted a statement on Facebook asking for prayers. “Please keep the leadership of the Taiwanese congregation and Geneva in your prayers as they care for those traumatized by this shooting,” the statement read.

“No one should have to fear going to their place of worship,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet. “Our thoughts are with the victims, community, and all those impacted by this tragic event.”

The motive for the shooting is unknown.

This story has been updated.