A press conference was held by local authorities to discuss the incident.
Representatives from Orange County Sheriff’s Department expressed their thoughts and prayers for the victims’ families.
The suspect is an Asian man in his sixties. He opened fire at the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church lunch meeting, killing one person and injuring four others. Another victim sustained minor injuries.
Congregants took the suspect into custody after he opened fire. They tied him up with extension cords. Two handguns were recovered from the suspect.
Authorities are unsure if the man is from the region, if he has any connections to the church or if there was any motive.
Authorities searched the church for explosives after apprehending and apprehending this suspect. The 30-40 congregants present at the time were offered to counsel by the Sheriff’s Department Chaplains.
AFT and the FBI are providing linguistic and behavioral support to assist with the investigation.
Agent Kristi Johnson stated, “The motive of the shooter will determine the level of the federal response.”
Carol Moore, Laguna Woods Mayor, thanked those who risked their lives to save the Laguna Woods community.
She said, “That was so amazing.”
According to the Orange County Register, “The Presbytery Los Ranchos stated that it was “deeply saddened” by the fatal shooting at a lunch reception for a former pastor from the Taiwanese church that nests at Geneva Presbyterian Church (Laguna Woods)… Please pray for the leaders of the Taiwanese and Geneva congregations as they care about the victims of this shooting.”
Governor Newsom stated that “No one should be afraid of going to their place of worship.” “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, community, as well as all those affected by this tragic event.”
ORIGINAL REPORT:
A shooting occurred at Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods, Calif., just before 1:30 PDT on Sunday afternoon. At least one person was killed and four were injured.
Dispatch was notified of a shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church at 1.26 pm. One victim sustained minor injuries while the other was critically injured. Four victims were left with severe injuries. All the victims are adults, and they are all going to the hospital. One victim died on the spot.
— OC Sheriff (@OCSheriff), May 15, 2022
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported a short while later that a suspect had been detained on-site and might have also recovered the weapon used in the shooting.
#OCSDPIO One person has been detained and also a weapon was found that could be linked to the attack.
— OC Sheriff (@OCSheriff), May 15, 2022
According to Twitter reports, Geneva Presbyterian hosts Taiwanese churches. The shooting occurred during a lunch meeting with the Taiwanese congregation.
This is a critical situation. We will have more information as soon as we can.
#OCSDPIO Press Conference scheduled for 5 pm on the scene Media stage at Town Center and El Toro Road. More information to come.
— OC Sheriff (@OCSheriff), May 15, 2022
