Multiple people were hit in the shooting at Geneva Presbyterian Church in the Laguna Woods area of Orange County with one losing his life trying to protect those of others.
The man killed during the tragic incident is well-respected doctor John Cheng who was a valuable member of the community, a husband, and a father of two.
#New The person killed during shooting inside Taiwanese church lunch banquet yesterday is Dr. John Cheng of Laguna Niguel. He leaves behind a wife, two children. The @OCSheriff says Dr. Cheng “took heroic actions that day,” charged the suspect, tried to take gun away @NBCLA pic.twitter.com/KmFJfWwhm4
— Anoushah Rasta (@Anoushah_Rasta) May 16, 2022
Five other people were wounded, and the number could be much bigger had it not been for Dr. Cheng who bravely charged at the gunman, allowing others to seek cover.
“Without the actions of Cheng, there is not doubt there would be numerous additional victims,” the Sheriff’s department told the media. A number of people who witnessed the tragic shooting gave testament to the brave actions of Dr. Cheng.
“This was a politically motivated hate incident, a grievance that this individual had between himself and the Taiwanese community,” Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes shared with the media.
The shooter was later identified as David Chou, who was arrested and charged for the murder of Dr. Cheng and attempted murder of five other people who were seriously injured.
FBI representative Kristi Johnson believes that the shooting was motivated by “some type of hate,” and authorities say the shooting was pre planned as Chou nail shut the doors of the church trying to prevent the people to escape.
District Attorney Todd Spitzer said of Cheng’s actions, “He sacrificed himself so others could live.”
We are so very sorry for the loss of such a brave and respected man as Dr. John Cheng. Our thoughts and prayers go to the grieving family.
“Dr. Cheng is an inspiring hero at such time and the ultimate example of courage, sacrifice for others and love to his fellow human beings,” one person writes, and we agree that this man showed the courage not many would. Sadly, it cost him his life.
Please SHARE this story with your family and friends on Facebook in honor of Dr. Cheng.
Bored Daddy