Orange County’s church congregants are being called heroes for their heroic actions in tying down a gunman on Sunday who was on a shooting spree. Authorities describe it as an act of “exceptional bravery and heroism”.
One person was killed and five others were shot at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, about 55 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
The shooter was a man in his 60s from Asia who opened fire on the worship house. Six of the victims were killed.
About 40 parishioners witnessed the violence – but those who were present also helped to prevent further bloodshed by overpowering the shooter and tying him up.
He was reportedly taken into custody by the group, who then restrained him until officers arrived.
According to police, the officers involved “showed extraordinary heroism in detaining a suspect.”
“This churchgoer group displayed extraordinary heroism in intervening against the suspect. According to Jeff Hallock, Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock, they undoubtedly saved additional deaths and injuries. “It could have been so much worse, if it weren’t for people intervening,” Hallock said.
Two handguns found on shooter were quickly removed.
Hallock said that although it is not known how the parishioners subdued the man exactly, once they got him to the ground they tied his legs and arms with extension or electrical cords.
One victim died from fatal injuries at the church. A total of four other victims suffered serious injuries, while one victim sustained minor injuries.
They were all adults, with four male victims aged 66-75, 82, 92, and one victim aged 86.
According to the hospital, two were transferred to Providence Mission Hospital. A second victim was transferred to UC Irvine Medical Center. Another was also transported, along with two others to Orange County Global Medical Center. One of the victims was a 92 year-old man, who had been shot by a bullet.
Most people inside the church believed to have Taiwanese heritage. They had come together to pay tribute to a former pastor by having a lunch reception following Sunday’s worship.
A motive for the shooting, which took place in an auditorium called Simpson Hall, rather than the main auditorium where services are normally held, wasn’t immediately known – but investigators said they don’t believe the gunman lives in the community.
Sheriff John Mina said police were still working to determine a motive and do not know whether it was a ‘hate-related’ incident.
Mina stated that Mina did not know if the suspect was connected to the church, or if any victims were targeted.
Hallock stated, ‘Until that happens, we won’t have any idea of what he is doing if he were known to the congregations.’
Numerous victims were killed at Laguna Woods’ Geneva Presbyterian Church.
Following a deadly shooting, police gather at the Geneva Presbyterian Church of Laguna Woods in California.
On Sunday afternoon, all manners of emergency vehicles were visible outside the church
After the shooting on Sunday, Jeff Hallock, the Undersheriff of Texas is seen speaking with members of the media.
Twitter was the place where Orange County Sheriff provided details about Sunday’s events.
Laguna Woods was 55 miles south of Los Angeles, and the shooting took place in this small town.
Laguna Woods, a retirement community in Laguna Woods was the scene of Sunday’s shooting.
Orange County Sheriff’s Officers stand guard on the Geneva Presbyterian Church grounds
One person died in the shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church, while others were wounded. A Chaplain arrived to assist.
Unidentified witness looks at the Geneva Presbyterian Church entrance, yellow police tape marking the spot of the shooting.
The Geneva Presbyterian Church shooting was witnessed by the Chaplain as he crosses the yellow police line tape.
Orange County deputy sheriff, yellow crime scene tape in Geneva Presbyterian Church
When a gunman kills a person or injures others, church supporters send flowers to the Geneva Presbysterian Church.
It was possible to see men bringing flowers as a tribute for the man who died in Sunday’s shooting.
FBI, ATF and Orange County law enforcement investigators are examining many factors. They include whether this attack was hateful or whether the suspect is well-known to the Church community.
Initial reports suggest that one person died and many others sustained serious injuries. Keep the leaders of Geneva and Taiwanese church in your thoughts as they help those affected by this shooting. Our prayer is for mercy from the Lord. A statement was read by the diocesan.
Laguna Woods Village is a large community that offers retirement for seniors 55+, and it surrounds the 18,000-person city. According to data, more than 80% are over 65.
Cynthia Conners was declared Laguna Woods’ mayor pro tem on Sunday. She said that she is a member and that she had been to services the morning before. A Taiwanese group usually uses the church in the afternoon.
Charlotte Hseih (a New York Times church organist), said, “I couldn’t even imagine this happening here.” “I am as shocked as anyone.”
Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies verify the identity of anyone trying to get into the parking lot at the church.
In a church shooting near Los Angeles, one person was killed and four others were injured.
Police investigate a shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church Laguna Woods. Many present at the event were Taiwanese.
Police officer leading a bomb-canine search at the Geneva Presbyterian Church.
After a shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods, police are on the scene investigating
After the shooting, Jeff Hallock (Orange County Sheriff’s Department Undersheriff) speaks with the media
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department was quickly at the scene
Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies are seen at Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods, setting up crime scene tape.
An officer of the police leads a dog to the site of the shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church. One victim was killed, four others were seriously injured and one sustained minor injuries.
Laguna Woods police investigate the shooting scene at Geneva Presbyterian Church.
There were law enforcement agencies representing all facets of the law, including ATF and FBI as well as Orange County Sheriff’s Dept. were on site
California Governor Gavin Newsom said via Twitter that he is closely watching the situation.
No one should feel afraid of going to their worship place. The tweet stated that our thoughts were with the victims and the community as well as all the people affected by the tragic incident.
U.S. Rep Katie Porter (whose congressional district also includes Laguna Woods) said that “This is disturbing and upsetting news” This should not become our normal. I will support victims’ families and work tirelessly to make sure they are well taken care of.
It occurred near a group of churches, which included a number of Methodist, Lutheran, and Catholic churches, and also a Jewish synagogue.
Geneva Presbyterian Church describes on its website its mission to’remember, tell and live the Way of Jesus Christ by being just and kind and humble’
All are invited to this place. We mean it! Geneva strives to be an inclusive congregation that worships, learns, connects, gives and serves together.
After a Sunday shooting, Sandria Chou waits for her parents in front of a police tape.
Following a shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church Laguna Woods in California, police cars were seen.
A police tape shows the aftermath of a shooting in Geneva Presbyterian Church Laguna Woods, California.
After being shot in Laguna Woods California, the Geneva Presbyterian Church is shown here
After a fatal shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods (California), law enforcement officers were seen
Outside of the church were several police cars, firetrucks, and ambulances.
Outside the Geneva Presbyterian Church, Laguna Woods, is seen a firetruck
One passing driver took photos of several fire engines on the scene following the shooting.
Facebook footage shows a helicopter racing to the scene.
The scene was captured by a person driving near the church.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said via Twitter that he is closely watching the situation. “Nobody should be afraid of going to their religious place.” We are thinking of the victims and the community, as well as all the people who were affected by this tragedy.
It was the 18th mass shooter in California this year, as well as the second in the United States on the same weekend. The United States has suffered from gun violence over the past few years.
A white supremacist shot at 10 people in a Buffalo supermarket on Saturday, killing them all.
Payton Gendron (age 18), is believed to have shot at 13 other people, most of which were black.
The authorities suspect that it was an attack motivated by racism.
Also, the shooting suspect is thought to have streamed the entire incident livestream. Gendron did not plead guilty to the first degree of murder.
His court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
The sidewalk in front of Geneva Presbyterian Church is taped by police. This was the scene of an incident that occurred in Laguna Woods in the afternoon.
A police tape is placed on the sidewalk near Geneva Presbyterian Church to mark the location of the shooting that took place Sunday afternoon.
You can view the photos of Laguna Woods’ Geneva Presbyterian Church located at 24301 El Toro Rd.
The church as it appears in its normal state, taken from the Facebook page.