The gunman who killed one and injured five others at a California church on Sunday was tackled by parishioners who then tied up his legs and removed his two weapons.
Police say the suspect, identified as an Asian male in his 60s, opened fire at the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods during a luncheon honoring former longtime pastor Billy Chang.
Chang slammed a chair into the killer’s head as he paused to reload, while others rushed to grab his gun. Officials stated they restrained his legs with extension wires and held him down.
“That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to stop the suspect,” Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said.
“They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities,” he said.
“I think it’s safe to say that had people not intervened, and it could have been much worse.”
According to police, the only fatality occurred inside the church.
The attackers’ motive has not been revealed. According to the undersheriff, the gunman is not from the area, and it is unclear whether he has any ties to the church.
“At this time, we do not know what the suspect’s motive may be or whether he had an intended target, or whether this is even a hate-related incident,” Hallock said.
Officials claimed the five injured were four Asian men aged 66, 75, 82, and 92 and an 86-year-old Asian woman. Four of them were in critical condition after being shot.
One of the 911 callers, Jerry Chen, said roughly 40 people in the church for the luncheon welcomed Chang, who had served the church for 20 years before returning to Taiwan two years ago.
“We’re mostly retirees, and the average age of our church is 80,” Chen said.
“It was amazing how brave (Chang) and the others were,” he said. “This is just so sad. I never, ever thought something like this would happen in my church, in my community.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom said that “no one should have to fear going to their place of worship.”
“Our thoughts are with the victims, community, and those impacted by this tragic event,” his office said on Twitter.
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