One Dead, Four Critically Injured In California Church Shooting

Congregants overpower and detain gunman in second mass shooting in the US in two days

LAGUNA WOODS (California) gunman who opened fire inside a Southern California church on Sunday, killing one person and critically wounding four others, was overpowered by congregants who hogtied him, preventing further bloodshed, authorities said.

Shortly before 1.30pm local time, parishioners were attending a banquet following a morning service at Geneva Presbyterian Church when the gunman began his rampage, authorities said.

There were 30 to 40 people inside the building in Laguna Woods, about 70km south-east of Los Angeles.

The churchgoers detained the shooter and “hogtied his legs with an extension cord and confiscated at least two weapons” before officers arrived at the scene to apprehend and arrest him, Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock told a press conference.

"That group of churchgoers dis“ played what we believe is exceptional heroism, and bravery,” Mr Hallock said. “They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities.”