Police responded to the incident which unfolded at around 1:30 p.m. local time (2039 GMT) at Geneva Laguna Woods Presbyterian Church and arrested an unidentified suspect in his 60s, the deputy said. Orange County Chief Jeff Hallock at a press conference.
“This group of worshipers displayed… exceptional heroism and bravery in intervening to apprehend the suspect. They undoubtedly suffered additional injuries and deaths,” he said.
One person died on the spot while four other victims were seriously injured. Another person suffered minor injuries, he said. All the injured were taken to hospital.
About 30 to 40 people were in the church when the shooting happened, Hallock said.
“At this time, we don’t know what the suspect’s motive may be, or if he had a specific target, or even if this was a hate-related incident,” Hallock said, adding that authorities believe the suspect does not live in the area.
Two handguns were found at the scene.
“No one should be afraid to go to their place of worship. Our hearts go out to the victims, the community and all those affected by this tragic event,” Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said on Twitter.
It is at least the second mass shooting of the weekend in the United States, which has been plagued by gun violence in recent years. On Saturday in Buffalo, New York, an 18-year-old white man opened fire at a supermarket in a predominantly black neighborhood, killing 10 and injuring three in what authorities described as a purely racist.