The suspect in the shooting has been identified by police as John Earnest, who is under investigation for a recent arson attack at a mosque, AP reported, citing a sheriff.
According to police, the suspected shooter was arrested and has been questioned. Media reports say the attacker was equipped with a helmet and a bulletproof vest. Victims reportedly include several children and a rabbi.
One person was killed and three more injured after a man opened fire at a synagogue in Poway, AFP reported citing Poway's Mayor Steve Vaus.
"We had four folks with gunshot wounds. We do have one fatality. The rabbi was shot in the hand. My understanding is none of the other injuries are life threatening", Mayor Steve Vaus said as cited by the cable news network MSNBC.
It was earlier reported that deputies had detained a man following the shooting incident at the Poway synagogue.
Update #1: A man has been detained for questioning in connection with a shooting incident at the Chabad of Poway synagogue. @SDSOPoway Deputies were called to Chabad Way just before 11:30 a.m. There are injuries. This is a developing situation.
— Poway Station (@SDSOPoway) April 27, 2019
At least four people were injured in a shooting at a Southern California Poway synagogue Saturday morning.
Four victims from the synagogue were taken to Palomar Medical Centre, but the nature of their injuries was not immediately clear.
According to an AP report, one woman later died from the wounds inflicted.
Update#2 Those wounded in the Chabad of Poway #synagogueshooting were taken to Palomar Medical Center @PalomarHealth. Please respect the medical privacy of victims & their families during this difficult time. Remain clear of the area as this investigation will take several hours
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) April 27, 2019
The hospital said it's treating four people injured in a synagogue outside San Diego, but didn't know the extent of their injuries, AP reported.
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus told MSNBC he believes the shooting was a hate crime.
"I can tell you that it was a hate crime, and that will not stand. This community will come together", he said in an interview.
US President Donald Trump has offered his "deepest sympathies to the families of those affected" by the shooting.
Speaking from the South Lawn of the White House, Trump said Saturday that the shooting "looked like a hate crime" and called it "hard to believe".
Taking to Twitter, Trump praised "our great Border Patrol Agent" who stopped the shooter.
Sincerest THANK YOU to our great Border Patrol Agent who stopped the shooter at the Synagogue in Poway, California. He may have been off duty but his talents for Law Enforcement weren’t!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 27, 2019
Earlier, local police warned of reports of an armed man near Congregation Chabad.
Be aware of increased law enforcement activity in the 16000 block of Chabad Way as @SDSOPoway Deputies investigate reports of a man with a gun. Please stay clear of the area and allow deputies to safely do their job. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. pic.twitter.com/wuHYb57BW0
— San Diego Sheriff (@SDSheriff) April 27, 2019
Congregation Chabad, where the incident took place is located at 16934 Chabad Way.
No other details have been released.
