Shooting at US synagogue, at least one person dead

Police block off the outside of the Chabad synagogue in Poway, California, USA. Photo:AP

Police said the suspect, a 19-year-old white male, entered the Chabad synagogue in Poway at about 11:23 a.m. on April 27 (01:23 a.m. on April 28 Vietnam time) carrying a rifle. He shot and killed an elderly woman and wounded two men and a girl. All four victims were taken to Palomar Medical Center.

A Border Patrol agent shot the suspect as he left the synagogue. The attacker drove away from the scene and called police, reporting his location near Rancho Bernardo Road, north of San Diego. He turned himself in when police arrived. The gun was previously placed in the front seat of the car.

The shooting occurred as the Chabad synagogue was holding services on the last day of the Jewish holiday of Passover. Detectives and the FBI are questioning the suspect. They are beginning to review his Facebook posts and a letter he wrote. San Diego Police Chief Bill Gore declined to discuss a motive for the shooting.

US President Donald Trump sent his condolences to the victims of the shooting. "God bless you. Suspect in custody. Great job by law enforcement. Thank you!", he wrote on Twitter.

Minoo Anvari, a member of the Chabad synagogue, said her husband witnessed the shooting. According to Anvari's husband, the suspect was screaming and swearing as he opened fire on people.

Poway, located 20 miles north of San Diego, has a population of about 48,000. The Chabad synagogue was founded in 1986. The synagogue's website says it is a destination for Jews of all backgrounds and backgrounds.