One dead, three others injured after a gunman opened fire at synagogue in California

One dead and three others injured after a gunman opened fire at a synagogue in California on Saturday. The horrific incident took place during a religious service on the last day of Passover, a holiday that celebrates Jewish freedom.

It is to be noted that the shooting in California's Poway came exactly six months after a white supremacist shot dead 11 people at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue - the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States.     

In a press conference, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said, "During the shooting, four individuals were wounded and transported to Palimar hospital. One succumbed to their wounds. The other three are in stable condition." He further added that the injured were a female juvenile and two adult men, while an older woman died from her injuries.

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The official also said that a 19-year-old from the city of San Diego had been detained over the shooting. He said police were called shortly before 11:30 am after the man entered the synagogue and opened fire with an "AR-15 type" weapon. Gore went on to say that the investigators were reviewing his social media activity and establishing the legitimacy of an open letter published online.

Notably, AR-15 assault rifles have been used in many mass shootings in the United States.

In the meantime, US President Donald Trump offered his "deepest sympathies." "At this moment it looks like a hate crime, but my deepest sympathies to all those affected and we'll get to the bottom of it," he said at the White House.

“Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the shooting at the Synagogue in Poway, California. God bless you all. Suspect apprehended. Law enforcement did outstanding job. Thank you!,” President Trump tweeted.

Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the shooting at the Synagogue in Poway, California. God bless you all. Suspect apprehended. Law enforcement did outstanding job. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2019

 

Recently, ten elementary school children in the southern US state of Georgia were hit by pellet or BB gun after an unknown assailant in a wooded area started shooting at their playground.

The worst shootings to date were those at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut in 2012 and at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida last year. The horrific incidents claimed life of 26 and 17 respectively.