On Saturday, the last day of the Jewish holiday of Passover, a man entered a synagogue in a suburb of San Diego and opened fire on the worshippers inside. He killed one person, 60-year-old Lori Kaye, who was present at the service to mourn her mother’s death, and injured three other people. Authorities have since arrested the suspect, who has been charged with one count of murder and several counts of attempted murder. On Monday, the suspect’s family released a statement expressing their shock and sadness for the “grief and anguish our son has caused for so many innocent people.” The Chabad of Poway Synagogue shooting is the latest in a wave of attacks on places of worship in recent months. On Easter Sunday, suicide bombers targeted eight churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, killing over 300 and injuring hundreds more. Last month, a shooter attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, leaving more than 50 people dead. And exactly six months ago, a man attacked the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, killing 11 people. The motivations behind these attacks differ, but they share one thing in common: The attackers have tried to transform places of worship and peace into spaces filled with violence, fear, and hate. The tragic irony is that these attacks tend to have the exact opposite effect. In the wake of the Poway synagogue attack, communities across the US and other faith groups have spoken out in support of the victims, to show their love, support, and solidarity. In an act of incredible composure and defiance, Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who was injured in the attack, returned to his sermon after the gunman had left the building. “I guarantee you, we will not be intimidated or deterred by terror,” he told the Today show on Sunday. “Terror will not win.” If you’re getting caught up on the news from this weekend, here’s what you need to know about the Poway synagogue attack: what happened, who was involved, and how people have responded in the aftermath. What exactly took place? On Saturday morning, a man wielding an assault-style rifle entered a synagogue in Poway, a town about 21 miles north of San Diego, during a Passover service. Lori Kaye, who was attending the service to pray for her mother who had recently died, reportedly jumped in front of the rabbi to protect him. Kaye was shot and killed, and Goldstein was injured in both hands. A 34-year-old man named Almog Peretz and his niece, an 8-year-old girl named Noya Dahan, were injured in the attack as well. The shooter’s gun apparently jammed, and he then left the building. An off-duty Border Patrol agent who sometimes provided security for the synagogue shot at the suspect and missed as he was driving away. According to Reuters, the suspect called police and admitted to being involved in the shooting and then surrendered on a highway nearby soon after. The suspect is currently being held on one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder. Who’s the suspect, and what motivated him? Police have identified the suspected gunman as 19-year-old John Earnest, a nursing student at California State University San Marcos. Earnest reportedly published an anti-Semitic manifesto on the far-right message board 8chan hours before the attack. In the letter, which the New York Times describes as full of “racist slurs and white nationalist conspiracy theories,” he expressed his desire to kill Jewish people and wrote that his role models included Jesus Christ, Adolf Hitler, and the Tree of Life and Christchurch shooters. It was also extremely similar in tone to the manifesto attributed to the Christchurch shooter, NBC News reported, and followed a similar “Q&A” style format. How have people responded? On Sunday night, hundreds of people attended a vigil at a community park near Chabad of Poway Synagogue to express their solidarity with the Jewish community. They held candles and prayed for Kaye, the woman who was killed. President Donald Trump also condemned the attack at a rally in Wisconsin on Saturday, saying, “Our entire nation mourns the loss of life, prays for the wounded, and stands in solidarity with the Jewish community. We forcefully condemn the evil of anti-Semitism and hate, which must be defeated.” The president also contacted Goldstein, who said that he was “amazed” to have received the phone call. In a press conference on Sunday, Goldstein said that they talked about a number of topics, including the president’s love for Israel, for around 15 minutes. “I’m really grateful to our president for taking the time and making that effort to share with us his comfort and consolation,” he said. On Monday, the suspected shooter’s family released a strong statement decrying the attack, and expressing their shock and anguish. “Our son’s actions were informed by people we do not know, and ideas we do not hold,” they wrote, and expressed sadness that their son was “now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries.” They thanked the first-responders and gave their condolences to the victims and survivors of the attack.<doc-sep>A 19-year-old man armed with an assault-type rifle opened fire inside a Southern California synagogue on Saturday as worshipers prepared to celebrate the last day of Passover, killing a woman and injuring three others, authorities said. An unidentified off-duty border patrol agent who was inside Chabad of Poway synagogue fired at the shooter – identified later as John Earnest – missing him, but striking his getaway vehicle, authorities said. While in the vehicle, Earnest called 911 to report the shooting, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said. When an officer reached the man on a roadway, “the suspect pulled over, jumped out of his car with his hands up and was immediately taken into custody,” he added. POLITICIANS REACT TO CALIFORNIA SYNAGOGUE SHOOTING: 'NO ONE SHOULD EVER FEAR GOING TO THEIR PLACE OF WORSHIP' A girl and two men - including the rabbi - were wounded and transported to the hospital. They were said to be in stable condition. At a news conference later Saturday, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said FBI and homicide agents have interviewed Earnest and they are looking into his social media accounts. He said they are investigating reports that the 19-year-old, who had no prior contact with law enforcement before Saturday, had written an anti-Jewish screed online. Gore said they are trying to determine the validity of the manifesto. He said Earnest is also being investigated for a possible connection to arson that caused property damage at Dar-ul-Arqam mosque in Escondido last month. No injuries were reported in that fire. In a later statement, the sheriff's department said they believe Earnest acted alone. "The Sheriff's Department would like to assure our communities that there are no known threats to religious gatherings. We encourage our communities to continue with scheduled events and other activities as normal," the statement said. President Trump and other elected officials decried what they called an anti-Semitic attack exactly six months since 11 people were killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue in the deadliest assault on Jews in U.S. history. Trump offered his sympathies Saturday, saying the shooting “looked like a hate crime,” and called it “hard to believe.” “Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the shooting at the Synagogue in Poway, California. God bless you all,” Trump also tweeted. “Suspect apprehended. Law enforcement did outstanding job. Thank you!” He then praised the off-duty patrol agent who shot at Earnest inside the synagogue. “Sincerest THANK YOU to our great Border Patrol Agent who stopped the shooter at the Synagogue in Poway, California,” Trump wrote. “He may have been off duty but his talents for Law Enforcement weren’t!” Sources told Fox News that the border patrol agent was a member of Chabad of Poway. Minoo Anvari, a member of the synagogue, told media outlets that her husband was inside during the shooting. She said he called to tell her the shooter was shouting and cursing. She called the shooting "unbelievable" in a peaceful and tight-knit community. "We are strong; you can't break us," Anvari said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom also weighed in on the shooting, tweeting his support for the city of Poway, which is about 20 miles north of San Diego. “No one should ever fear going to their place of worship,” he said. “Hate continues to fuel horrific and cowardly acts of violence across our state, country, and world. It must be called out. CA stands with Poway.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Likewise, Poway Mayor Steve Vaus at the news conference said this act of violence does not adequately portray the city. "We always walk with our arms around each other and we will walk through this tragedy with our arms around each other," Vaus said. "Poway will stay strong and we will always be a community that cares for one another." Fox News' Lucia Suarez Sang and the Associated Press contributed to this report.<doc-sep>A gunman walked into a San Diego-area synagogue crowded with Sabbath worshippers on Saturday and opened fire with an assault-style rifle, killing one woman inside and wounding three others on the last day of Passover. Key points: A woman has died from her injuries, while a girl and two men are in the hospital A woman has died from her injuries, while a girl and two men are in the hospital Suspect identified by authorities as John Earnest, aged 19 Suspect identified by authorities as John Earnest, aged 19 The shooting comes exactly six months on from the deadliest attack on Jews in US history San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said the man entered the Congregation Chabad synagogue of Poway, about 37 kilometres north of downtown San Diego, and opened fire on worshippers with an AR-type assault weapon. Mr Gore said an off-duty Border Patrol agent believed to be inside the synagogue shot at the suspect as he fled. The sheriff said the agent did not hit the man, but struck his car. San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said the suspect called police to report the shooting and a California Highway Patrol officer heard it on a police scanner, saw the suspect and pulled him over. Mr Nisleit said the suspect got out of his car with his hands up and he was taken into custody without incident. Loading Lori Kaye, 60, of Poway was killed, Rabbi Yonah Fradkin, executive director of Chabad of San Diego County, said in a statement. Those injured in the shooting Saturday were Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Noya Dahan, 8, and Almog Peretz, 34, he said. "In the face of senseless hate we commit to live proudly as Jews in this glorious country," Mr Fradkin said. "We strongly believe that love is exponentially more powerful than hate. We are deeply shaken by the loss of a true woman of valor, Lori Kaye, who lost her life solely for living as a Jew." Gunman cited Christchurch terror attack San Diego police led a search in what was thought to be the shooter's home. ( AP via The San Diego Union-Tribune: John Gibbins The suspect was identified by authorities as John Earnest, aged 19. A rambling, violently anti-Semitic, anti-Muslim post written by an individual calling himself John Earnest was found online. In it he referred to the Christchurch attacker who killed 50 people at two mosques in the New Zealand city last month. In the text, the author also claimed credit for an arson attack on the Islamic Centre of Escondido, located about 24km north of the Congregation Chabad synagogue. Sheriff Gore said police and the FBI were investigating Earnest's "possible involvement" in the Escondido arson attack. No-one was hurt at the mosque fire. Local media reported that a message scrawled on the driveway of the mosque mentioned the New Zealand attack. Minoo Anvari, a member of the synagogue, said her husband was inside during the shooting. She said he called to tell her the shooter was shouting and swearing. Loading She called the shooting in the peaceful and tight-knit community was "unbelievable". "We are strong … You can't break us," Ms Anvari said. Donny Phonea, who lives across the street from the synagogue, turned off his power drill and heard someone shout, "Police!" Then he heard three or four shots. The 38-year-old bank auditor looked over his backyard fence facing the synagogue and saw people hiding behind an electrical box in the car park of a neighbouring church. At that point, he knew something was "very, very wrong", and went inside and closed his doors. "I'm a little taken aback," said Mr Phonea, who moved to Poway two weeks ago. "I moved here because safety was a factor. Poway is very safe." California State University, San Marcos, confirmed Earnest was a student on the dean's list and said the school was "dismayed and disheartened" that he was suspected in "this despicable act". The Sheriff added that Earnest, whose weapon apparently malfunctioned after the first several rounds he fired in the synagogue, had no prior criminal record. Shooting follows other attacks on worshippers Worshippers were celebrating the last day of Passover. ( AP: Denis Poroy This latest shooting occurred six months to the day after 11 worshippers were killed and six others wounded by a gunman who stormed the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The assailant in that massacre, said to be the deadliest attack ever against Jews on US soil, was arrested. This shooting also follows attacks on houses of worship around the world. Suicide bombings during Easter Sunday services at several churches in Sri Lanka killed more than 250 people. A gunman who opened fire at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15 left 49 people dead and more than 40 wounded. Poway Mayor Steve Vaus characterised Saturday's shooting as a "hate crime," saying his assessment was based on statements uttered by the gunman when he entered the synagogue. At a news conference later, Mr Gore told reporters: "Clearly it's being investigated as a homicide, but we're also looking at the hate crime possible violation as well as federal civil rights violations." Speaking with reporters at the White House about Saturday's attack, US President Donald Trump said: "My deepest sympathies go to the people that were affected." He added that "it looks like a hate crime" and that authorities will "get to the bottom of it". Members walk outside of the Chabad of Poway Synagogue. ( AP: Denis Poroy ABC/wires<doc-sep>(CNN) The family of the 19-year-old man accused of the Chabad of Poway shooting released a statement Monday saying their son's attraction "to such darkness is a terrifying mystery to us." The Saturday shooting in Poway, California, left one person dead and injured three others, including Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, the leader of the synagogue. John Earnest Police arrested John Earnest, a student at California State University San Marcos. He was booked into the San Diego Central Jail early Sunday on one count of first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree attempted murder, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Inmate Website. Though police have not commented on a motive, an anti-Semitic open letter by someone claiming to be Earnest was posted to the anonymous message board 8chan before the shooting. Here is Earnest's family's full statement as provided by family attorney Earll M. Pott: Read More<doc-sep>
Editors USA TODAY One woman was killed and three others were wounded when a man entered a synagogue during Passover services Saturday at the Chabad of Poway temple and opened fire with an AR-style assault weapon shortly before 11:30 a.m. Poway is about 25 miles northeast of San Diego. The city's mayor, President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom all called the attack a hate crime. The suspect, 19-year-old John Earnest, was arrested and is being questioned by authorities. Fred Nasseri, a longtime congregant at Chabad of Poway, told USA TODAY that despite the incident “we will not be broken. This is not going to break us.” Here is what we know so far. Who are the victims? Lori Kaye, 60, who was killed, was "very giving, kind. She was an angel," Nasseri said. "I’ve known her for 25 years and I can say nothing but good things about her ... the community lost a great soul.” Injured in the melee were Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, Noya Dahan, 8, and Almog Peretz, 34, authorities said. Goldstein on Sunday, in an interview with "Today," described the chilling moments when he became "face-to-face" with the gunman. He said he put his hands up to protect himself and lost one of his fingers in the shooting. How was the suspect caught? An off-duty Border Patrol officer was working as a security guard at inside the temple when the attack unfolded. He fired on the gunman as the suspect fled the area, hitting the gunman's car, authorities told reporters during an afternoon news conference. San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said that as one of his officers was on the way to the shooting, he overheard on the scanner that the suspect had called into police, saying "he was just involved in this shooting" and giving his location along Interstate 15. The officer quickly spotted the suspect, who pulled over and jumped out of his vehicle with his hands up, surrendering to authorities. Who is the suspect? San Diego Sheriff William Gore said authorities were poring over John Earnest's social media accounts and a letter that Gore described as a "manifesto" posted online around the time of the attack. Gore said officials were working to verify the posting's authenticity and did not offer details on any motive. But the letter supposedly details the shooter's hateful motivations and his reasons for targeting members of the Jewish faith. Earnest was also being investigated in connection with the arson at a mosque in nearby Escondido last month, Gore said. Earnest was a student at Cal State University San Marcos, school officials said and had attended Mount Carmel High school. Political response President Donald Trump called the attack a "hate crime" before he departed the White House for a rally in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Saturday night. He also praised the response by law enforcement and offered his condolences to those affected in the attack. "My deepest sympathies go to the people that were affected – the families, the loved ones – by the, obviously – looks right now based on my last conversations – looks like a hate crime," Trump said. "Hard to believe, hard to believe." California's Gov. Gavin Newsom‏ said those in his state, like other parts of the world, should not have to fear due to their religion. "Charleston, Pittsburgh, Quebec, New Zealand – now our own Poway, California. No one should ever fear going to their place of worship," he said on Twitter. "Hate continues to fuel horrific and cowardly acts of violence across our state, country, and world. It must be called out. CA stands with Poway."