California church shooting: At least 1 dead and 5 injured 2:53
(CNN) ––
Authorities have identified the suspect in a deadly shooting at a church in Laguna Woods, California, the sheriff's department reported.
David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada, was named Monday as the suspect in the case, according to the agency.
One person dead and four seriously injured after a shooting inside a California church
"He has been booked for one felony murder and five felony counts of attempted murder," the sheriff's department said in a tweet.
CNN has not been able to identify if Chou has an attorney.
The shooting in Laguna Woods, California
At least one person was killed and five were injured -- four of them critically injured -- during the shooting at the Geneva Presbyterian Church on Sunday, according to authorities.
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"One victim has died at the scene," the Orange County Sheriff's Department tweeted Sunday.
Authorities at the church in Laguna Woods, California, where a shooting took place this Sunday.
The shooting occurred during a luncheon reception honoring the former pastor of a Taiwanese congregation that uses the church for its worship services, according to Presbytery Leader Tom Cramer.
Investigators are working to determine if the suspect has any connection to the church or its parishioners, a statement from the sheriff's department said.
Police still don't have a motive, Orange County Deputy Chief Jeff Hallock said.
The suspect was arrested at the scene.
The suspect was taken into custody at the scene of the shooting after a group of people at the church bound his legs with an extension cord and seized at least two handguns, Hallock said.
The shooting occurred during a luncheon reception honoring the former pastor of a Taiwanese congregation that uses the church, a presbytery leader said.
"That group of parishioners displayed what we believe to be exceptional heroism by interfering or intervening to apprehend the suspect," he said.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Los Angeles said Sunday that it located an urgent trace on the firearms.
"This will determine who was the first buyer of the weapons," the agency tweeted.
Authorities said the victims injured in the shooting were four Asian men, ages 66, 75, 82 and 92, as well as an 86-year-old Asian woman.
"The identity of the person who died will be released upon official identification by the coroner and notification of next of kin," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
About 30 to 40 people attended the reception, Hallock said.
"No one should be afraid to go to their place of worship": California Governor after shooting
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said his office "works closely with local law enforcement."
“No one should be afraid to go to their place of worship.
Our prayers are with the victims, the community and everyone affected by this tragic event," Newsom said in a tweet.
The Taiwanese congregation, which became a sister congregation to the Geneva Presbyterian Church about five or six years ago, always hosts a luncheon after the Sunday morning service, Laguna Woods Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Conners explained to CNN.
"We'll see what we can do to meet with members of the congregation, we'll bring someone from the Orange County Human Rights Commission ... and we'll try to make sure that the Asian members of our community feel as safe as everyone else." members of our community -- although I have to say I think we all feel a little less safe today," Conners said.
Taiwan's government says its Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles has activated emergency response plans.
"The Foreign Ministry sends its deepest condolences to the victims and their families," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou said.
"We will stay in contact with the relatives of the victims to understand their needs and provide all necessary help," she added.
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