“It is believed that the suspect was upset by political tensions between China and Taiwan,” Orange County Sheriff Donald Barnes told reporters. news conference on Monday.
Suspect, David Chow, 68 of Las Vegas was a US citizen who immigrated from China many years ago, according to Barnes.
At least one one person died, five were injured in Sunday’s shooting at a Geneva Presbyterian church where a Taiwanese sister church worshiped, according to the sheriff’s department.
One victim received medical attention for university injuries of California, Irvine Medical Center, and discharged overnight, and two others who were taken to Providence Mission Hospital, now in good condition, according to hospital officials.
CNN reached out to find out in current condition of two other patients. Officials initially reported that four of the victims of the shooting were in critical condition.
The suspect is not believed to be directly related to the church or any of its members. of church, the sheriff said. Officials said they believed he acted alone.
The prosecutor’s office is considering the possibility of bringing the suspect to criminal responsibility with one think of murder and five bills of attempt murder at his arraignment Tuesday, District Attorney Todd Spitzer said.
CNN was unable to identify the lawyer for Zhou.
The shooting happened during a dinner party. of mostly elderly parishioners to glorify the pastor of Taiwanese community who returned from mission travel in Taiwan, said Barnes, and that was heroism on part of that man who died, which prevented more bloodshed.
Dr. John Cheng, one of in people at a reception given to the suspect and “during the struggle, other parishioners intervened,” Barnes said.
The pastor threw a chair at the suspect, and group was able to tie him upBarnes said.
The parishioners were able to tie his feet with extension cord and confiscate at least two pistols from him, Under Sheriff Jeff Hallock said Sunday.
“That group of parishioners displayed what we consider exceptional heroism in intervention or interference to stop the suspect,” he said.
However, Cheng, 52, was shot and died in the church.
Dr. Cheng is a hero in this incident based on testimonies of witnesses and confirmed in other ways,” the sheriff said.
The suspect had locked doors of the church from the inside before he started shooting, Barnes said. He also there was a bag of Molotov cocktails and bag of additional ammunition, according to Barnes.
The Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives in Los Angeles determined that Zhou was original buyer of Two handguns were found at the scene, according to ATF agent Stephen Galloway.
Authorities said the victims were injured in four Asian men aged 66, 75, 82 and 92 participated in the filming, and one Asian woman 86 years old.
About 50 people were at the reception, Barnes said.
Governor Gavin Newsom said his office “works closely with local law enforcement.”
Taiwan Presbyterian Church shared space with According to the sheriff, a Geneva Presbyterian since 2009. According to Laguna Woods Pro Tem Mayor Cynthia Conners, there is always lunch after the Sunday morning service.
“Let’s see what we can do to meet with participants of assembly, we will bring in someone from the Orange County Human Rights Commission… and try to force sure that Asian members of our community feel safe, like everyone else of our community, although I have to say that I think we’re all feeling a little less safe today,” Conners said.
Taiwanese government said that its economic and cultural office in Los Angeles activates emergency aid plans.
“Ministry of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deepest condolences to the victims and their families. of This was stated by the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joanne Ou. “We will keep in touch with in family members of victims to understand their needs and provide all necessary help,” she is added.
Taylor Romine of CNN contributed to this report.
.
