Hate crimes probe opened against suspect in shooting at California church that left 1 dead, 5 injured – NBC News
David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, was upset about political tensions between China and Taiwan, according to authorities, who say he secured doors with chains and used super glue to disable locks before shooting at an Asian church.
Dr. John Cheng, 53, who was killed in the attack, charged the suspect and attempted to disarm him, which allowed other parishioners to take him into custody. Dr. Cheng was a father of two and a well-known doctor in Laguna Niguel.
The suspect was spotted acting strangely at the church. He then shot several people at a church in Southern California, including a pastor.
Some of the congregants tried to confront the suspect in an attempt to disarm him. Even the pastor of the church tried to throw a chair at David Chou to prevent him from causing further harm.
Investigators say Chou has lived in Texas and worked security jobs in Las Vegas. He purchased two 9 mm semi-automatic pistols in 2015 and 2017, and acted upon his personal grievance with the Taiwanese community in this fatal hate crime.
David Chou was charged with one count of murder and five counts of attempted murder after shooting five people at a church luncheon.
The California Office of the Governor says it is monitoring the situation and is working with local law enforcement.
Stay up to date with more details of this tragic story at the following news outlets:
- Hate crimes probe opened against suspect in shooting at California church that left 1 dead, 5 injured NBC News
- At least 1 dead and 5 wounded in shooting at California church CNN
- Churchgoers “hog-tied” man who shot six people inside Southern California church – KION546 KION
- ‘Hero.’ Laguna Woods Church Shooting Victim John Cheng ‘Charged’ Mass Shooter NBC Southern California
- Investigation continues into deadly church shooting in Laguna Woods; Politicians react CBS Los Angeles