'Exceptional Heroism': Laguna Woods Churchgoers 'Hogtied' Shooter

LAGUNA WOODS, CA — Churchgoers at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods showed "exceptional heroism and bravery" when they confronted a gunman who began shooting inside the house of worship Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

Undersheriff Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff's Department said the group's actions "undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities."

"A group of churchgoers detained him, hogtied his legs with an extension cord and confiscated at least two weapons from him," Hallock said.

One person died, and five others were wounded in the shooting, Hallock said.

The wounded included four men, ranging in age from 66 to 92, and an 86-year-old woman. The person who died was described by authorities only as a man.

The suspected gunman was identified as David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said.

The group was part of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, which holds services at Geneva Presbyterian. The congregation comprises around 100 members, mostly older adults.

Li Furen, a pastor for the church, described Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian as a "big family full of love" on the group's website.

"In the love of God and the grace of Jesus Christ, we hope that all brothers and sisters can have more knowledge, and also In the journey of life, we can walk stronger and happier because of each other's support," Furen said.

The congregation held a lunch reception Sunday afternoon with around 30 members in honor of its former pastor, Billy Chang, who was visiting from Taiwan, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Churchgoers were taking photos with Chang when gunfire erupted just before 1:30 p.m., according to the Times.

The shooting ended when Chang hit the gunman with a chair while he was reloading his weapon, allowing parishioners to tackle him to the ground, the Times reported.

Laguna Woods Mayor Carol Moore praised the actions of Chang and the parishioners as "impressive."

"I want to thank those people who were wise enough to take action and endanger themselves to save others in that church," she said.

It's unknown if any of the victims were part of the group that confronted the shooter, Hallock said.

Sheriff's investigators were investigating what connection, if any, Chou had to the church or its congregants, Hallock said.

"We don't know what the suspect's motives may be or if he had an intended target or whether this is a hate-related incident," he said.

Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian members started a GoFundMe campaign in the wake of the shooting. The money will go toward the congregation and “the families of the victims to aid in their journey of healing.”

"This fundraiser is organized by members of ITPC who grew up attending this church and spent their childhoods with these families," the campaign's organizers said on GoFundMe. "We are heartbroken by the senseless violence and are reaching out to the internet for help."

The fundraiser has raised $21,752 as of 11:30 a.m. Monday.

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