On Sunday, in Laguna Woods, California, a gunman entered a church and began shooting. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department reported getting a call about the church shooting at 1:26 pm, and when the officers arrived on the scene, the shooter had already been detained.

The incident took place at Geneva Presbyterian Church during a lunch banquet following the morning service.

Fortunately, the churchgoers sprang into action and overpowered the shooter, using an extension cord to hogtie him and restrain him until the police arrived. It was reported to the Los Angeles Times that the pastor hit the gunman with a chair while he was reloading his gun, and the others were able to tackle him.

Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, Calif.

The Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock later praised the congregants for their “exceptional heroism and bravery.”

While the quick action of the people at the church likely prevented many casualties, the shooter sadly claimed the life of one person and left four more in critical condition.

The shooter has been identified as a 68-year-old man from Las Vegas named David Chou. A motive for the shooting has yet to be determined.

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the shooting in a tweet, saying,

“We are actively monitoring the shooting at a church in Laguna Woods and working closely with local law enforcement. 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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