One killed, three injured in California synagogue shooting

World
Europe

00:46

One person has been killed and three others were injured at a synagogue shooting in San Diego, California, local authorities said on Saturday.

The injured people have been immediately sent to the hospital in Escondido for treatment, according to the reports.

A 19-year-old man whose name is John Earnest has been detained for questioning in connection with the shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, a spokesman from San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.

San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore speaks at a news conference at the scene of a shooting incident at the Congregation Chabad synagogue in Poway, north of San Diego, California, U.S. April 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

He has no prior contact with law enforcement, CNN reported, citing local officials.

The incident occurred when a large group of congregants had gathered at a Passover holiday celebration on Saturday morning.

The Sheriff's Department asked the public to remain clear of the areas as the investigation will take several hours.

Sheriff's crime scene tape is placed in front of the Chabad of Poway Synagogue after a shooting on Saturday, April 27, 2019, in Poway, California. /VCG Photo

The shooting was described as a possible hate crime, CNN reported on Saturday.

The preliminary investigation shows the 19-year-old suspect is a university student and further probe is underway, according to local media.

A woman and a young girl place notes on a light post at a street across the Chabad of Poway Synagogue after a shooting in Poway, California, April 27, 2019. /VCG Photo

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke against the shooting during his rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Saturday, condemning the "evil of antisemitism and hate, which must be defeated."

10236km