LOS ANGELES, April 27 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement Saturday afternoon, expressing his grief over the shooting incident at a synagogue earlier in the day in Poway, which left one dead and three injured.
"California sends our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of the victims of today's shooting at the Chabad of Poway community," the statement read.
"My office continues to work closely with local and state law enforcement to monitor this situation. We join the Poway community in its grief and, together with all Californians, recognize the bravery and heroism of our first responders," Newsom said.
"While we continue to learn more about what transpired, we can't ignore the circumstances around this horrific incident. No one should have to fear going to their place of worship, and no one should be targeted for practicing the tenets of their faith," Newsom concluded.
According to San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore, 19-year-old John Earnest went into a synagogue and shot at worshippers there with a rifle around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The shooter was arrested by local police on the road after he fled the scene.
While police are investigating the killer's initiative, Poway Mayor Steve Vaus called the incident a hate crime against Jewish community. Newsom also shared his opinion on this issue via his twitter account.
"Charleston, Pittsburgh, Quebec, New Zealand -- now our own Poway, California. No one should ever fear going to their place of worship," he wrote four hours after the deadly shooting. "Hate continues to fuel horrific and cowardly acts of violence across our state, country, and world. It must be called out. CA stands with Poway."
Saturday's incident came exactly six months after a deadly gun attack at a synagogue in Pittsburgh on Oct. 27, 2018, which resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries.
Newsom's wife Jennifer Siebel Newsom also tweeted, "Heartbroken by this tragedy in San Diego. We must continue to speak out and act against hate, prejudice, and anti-semitism everywhere we see it. Our hearts are with the Jewish community and all communities of faith today."
