1 dead, 5 injured in California church shooting

LAGUNA WOODS, United States－One person died and five others were injured after a shooting at a church near Los Angeles, officials said on Sunday, just one day after a gunman killed 10 people at a grocery store in New York state.

Parishioners were attending a banquet shortly before 1:30 pm local time 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 70 kilometers southeast of Los Angeles.

Churchgoers detained the shooter and "hog-tied 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 news conference.

"That group of churchgoers displayed what we believe is exceptional heroism, and bravery. They undoubtedly prevented additional injuries and fatalities," Hallock said.

"One person is confirmed deceased at the scene. Four others are critical and one other victim sustained minor injuries."

The victims were all of Taiwan descent. According to the sheriff's department, the victims were aged between 66 and 92.

Investigators were still searching for a motive, said Hallock, adding that the alleged gunman, who was not injured during the incident, was believed to be an Asian male in his 60s.

"The man is not believed to live in the area and investigators are working to determine his city of residence and whether he has any connections to the church or its congregants," said the sheriff's department in a statement.

The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said it was working with local officials to monitor the situation.

"No one should have to fear going to their place of worship. Our thoughts are with the victims," the office tweeted.

Congresswoman Katie Porter called the shooting "upsetting and disturbing news, especially less than a day after a mass shooting in Buffalo".

Also on Sunday, another shooting happened at a bustling Houston flea market, killing two and injuring three others.

The shooting at the open-air market arose from an "altercation" that involved at least two guns and all five of the people, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. He said no "innocent bystanders" were injured.

Investigators believe one of the people hospitalized was among those who opened fire and two more suspected shooters were detained at the scene, a sheriff's deputy told KTRK-TV.

Agencies Via Xinhua