The congregants of an Orange County church are being hailed as heroes after they managed to hog-tie a gunman who went on a shooting spree on Sunday afternoon in what sheriff's have described as an act of 'exceptional heroism and bravery.'
One person was killed and five others were shot at the predominantly Asian-American church in Laguna Woods, in southern
California, about 55 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
Six people at the Geneva Presbyterian Church were struck by gunfire after the shooter, said to be an Asian male in his 60s, opened fire at around 1:25pm. That man is now in police custody.
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, confiscating his weapons and restraining him until police arrived on the scene.
Police say those involved 'showed exceptional heroism and bravery in detaining the suspect.'
'That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to stop the suspect. They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities,' Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said. 'I think it's safe to say that had people not intervened, it could have been much worse.'
Two handguns were found on the shooter and were quickly removed.
It's not clear exactly how the parishioners were able to subdue the man, but as soon as they had him on the ground, they tied his arms and legs with electrical or extension cords, Hallock explained.
One of those who was struck suffered fatal wounds and died at the scene at the church. Four of the other victims were critically wounded while a fifth suffered minor injuries.
Two of the victims were taken to Providence Mission Hospital, the medical center confirmed. Another victim was transported to UC Irvine Medical Center, and two more were transported to Orange County Global Medical Center, including a 92-year-old man who was grazed by a bullet.
The majority of those inside the church were believed to be of Taiwanese descent and had gathered to honor a former pastor of the church for which a lunch reception was being held after Sunday morning's service.
A motive for the shooting, which took place in Simpson Hall rather than the main auditorium where services are normally held, wasn't immediately known but investigators don't believe the gunman lives in the community, Hallock said.
Sheriff John Mina said police were still working to determine a motive and do not know whether it was a 'hate-related' incident.
Mina also said that it was not known whether the suspect had any connections to the church or whether any victims had been targeted.
'Until we do that, we won't really have a good idea if he was known to the congregants,' Hallock said
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