California church shooting: One dead and four 'critically' injured as suspect detained
ONE PERSON has died and four people have received "critical" injuries following a shooting at a church in California, local police have confirmed.
Laguna Woods: Police provide statement after shooting
The Orange County dispatch team received a call to respond to the shooting at 1.26pm (9.26pm BST) at Geneva Presbyterian Church. The Sheriff’s department has announced that the suspect has been detained at the scene and a weapon has been recovered.
"Four victims have been critically wounded, one with minor injuries.
"All victims are adults and are enroute to the hospital.
“One victim is deceased at the scene.”
The department added: “The suspect was detained at the scene. More to follow. El Toro Road is closed between Calle Sonora and Canyon Wren, please avoid the area.
“We are in Unified Command with Orange County Fire Authority.”
Update: One person was killed and four others were critically wounded Sunday during a shooting at a church in Laguna Woods in Orange County.
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) May 15, 2022
The Sheriff’s Department said it detained a suspect and collected a weapon that might be involved. https://t.co/S566hPeRum pic.twitter.com/SDows8Yt1p
Footage on social media shows roads blocked off by police cars and fire engines.
The Associated Press has also reported that agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are assisting officers at the scene.
They have reportedly been joined by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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On my way to Laguna beach and the street is blocked off. So incredibly sad! I hope the victims are okay! pic.twitter.com/XsPa2sI0TW
— Judy Perez (@perez_jude) May 15, 2022
We are actively monitoring the shooting at a church in Laguna Woods and working closely with local law enforcement.
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) May 15, 2022
No one should have to fear going to their place of worship. Our thoughts are with the victims, community, and all those impacted by this tragic event.
The motive for the attack is currently unclear.
A statement was released from the office of the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, that read: “No one should have to fear going to their place of worship.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, community, and all those impacted by this tragic event.”
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A shooting at a church in Laguna Woods has left multiple people injured. This is upsetting and disturbing news, especially less than a day after a mass shooting in Buffalo. This should not be our new normal. I will work hard to support the victims and their families.
— Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) May 15, 2022
The incident occurred in the wake of the racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday, where a lone gunman killed 10 people and wounded three others in a supermarket.
California’s United States Representative Katie Porter tweeted: “A shooting at a church in Laguna Woods has left multiple people injured.
“This is upsetting and disturbing news, especially less than a day after a mass shooting in Buffalo.
“This should not be our new normal. I will work hard to support the victims and their families.”