Six people at the house of worship were struck by gunfire after the shooter, said to be an Asian male in his 60s, opened fire at around 1:25 p.m. That man is now in police custody.
About 40 parishioners witnessed the violence – but those who were present also helped to prevent further bloodshed by overpowering the shooter and tying him up.
The group reportedly confiscated his weapons and restrained him until police arrived on the scene.
Police say those involved ‘showed exceptional heroism and bravery in detaining the suspect.’
‘That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to stop the suspect. They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities,’ Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said. ‘I think it’s safe to say that had people not intervened, it could have been much worse.’
