Survivors and church leaders are joining in prayer nearly a week after a deadly shooting at a Taiwanese American church congregation in California
Pastor Albany Lee addresses congregants and community members on Saturday, May 21, 2022, as survivors and church leaders join in prayer and thank community members for their support nearly a week after a deadly shooting at a Taiwanese American church congregation in Laguna Woods, Calif. The community is reeling after the attack on a luncheon of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church that killed one and wounded five. Lee said trauma specialists will be available to assist community members.
Authorities say the gunman, David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, was motivated by hatred of Taiwan, where he was born and grew up after his family was forced from mainland China when Communists took control. He had no connection to the church but spent about an hour with attendees apparently to gain their trust so he could execute his plot, authorities said.
Cheng was the only person killed. Five others were wounded, including four men aged 66 to 92 and an 86-year-old woman. On Sunday, his congregation will resume its weekly prayer service. Security will be tight and no media coverage allowed on the Geneva campus.