Laguna Woods, California, Church Shooting

A shooting Sunday at a church in Laguna Woods, California, left at least one person dead and five wounded -- including four who were critically injured -- Orange County sheriff's department said. “One person died at the scene. Another had minor injuries. “All victims were adults,” said the Sheriff. 

On Monday, the sheriff's department named: David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada, as a suspect, and has now been booked on one felony count of murder and five felony counts of attempted murder. 

 The shooting occurred at the Geneva Presbyterian Church, where the Taiwanese congregation was having a lunch reception to honor a former pastor, according to the Presbytery leader, Tom Cramer.

The sheriff's department said that investigators were working to find out, whether he had any connections to the church or its members,
and yet, have still not determined a motive, said Hallock.

A group of people at the church were able to confiscate two handguns from the suspect, and afterward, tie his legs with an extension cord, said Orange County Undersheriff, Jeff Hallock.

Hallock remarked, "That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism in interfering or intervening to stop the suspect," Authorities said the victims injured in the shooting included four Asian men, ages 66, 75, 82, and 92, and one Asian woman age 86.

 The sheriff's office said, "The identity of the deceased will be released, pending official identification by the Coroner and notification of next of kin.” “30-40 people were attending the reception,” said Hallock.

According to the Taiwan government, it has impowered its Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles to proceed with emergency response plans. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends our deepest condolences to the victims and their families," Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Joanne Ou said. "We will keep in touch with the family members of the victims to understand their needs, and provide all necessary help," she added.

 Mayor Pro Tem Cynthia Conners, remarked, “The Taiwanese congregation, which became a sister congregation at Geneva Presbyterian Church about five or six years ago, always holds a lunch after their Sunday morning service in Laguna Woods.”

"We'll see what we can do to meet with the members of the congregation, and also bring in someone from the Orange County Human Rights Commission ... and try to make sure that the Asian members of our community feel as safe as all the other members of our community, although I would have to say, I think we all feel a little less safe today," Conners said.