At least one person was killed and five others was wounded after a shooting Sunday, May 15, at a meeting of Asian churchgoers in Laguna Woods, California, the sheriff's department said.
The gun man opened fire in the Geneva Presbyterian Church during a lunch reception to honor a former pastor of a Taiwanese congregation, according to Tom Cramer, a presbytery leader.
All victims, including four who are critically injured, are adults and were taken to the hospital, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said in a tweet Sunday. "One victim is deceased at the scene."
The suspect, reported to be an Asian man in his 60s, was detained after a group of people at the church managed to hogtie his legs with an electrical extension cord and confiscate at least two handguns from him, The weapons were later siezed by the police.
"That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism in interfering or intervening to stop the suspect," Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said during a news conference on Sunday evening.
"The identity of the decedent will be released pending official identification by the Coroner and notification of next of kin," a statement from the sheriff's office said, NBC News reported.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, Investigators are working to ascertain whether the unidentified shooter has any connections to the church or its congregants,
"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," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a tweet, adding that his office is "working closely with local law enforcement."
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou said they “will keep in touch with the family members of the victims to understand their needs, and provide all necessary help."
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