California church shooter, 68, was ‘lying in wait’ before attack

The man accused of fatally shooting one person and wounding five more at a Taiwanese church Sunday in Southern California was “lying in wait” before the horrifying attack, prosecutors said Tuesday.

David Chou, a 68-year-old U.S. citizen who grew up in Taiwan, has been charged with one count of murder, five counts of attempted murder and four counts of possession of destructive devices with intent to harm or kill.

“We typically think of the person who hides in the bushes,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said. “This case is about the person concealing themselves in plain view.”

Authorities said Chou attended a luncheon at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods even though he didn’t know anyone there. Police said he spent an hour going through the motions of meeting and greeting people before starting his rampage.

Chou could also face hate crime charges. Federal investigators have not yet wrapped up their investigation. Local police said Chou was motivated by his hatred for Taiwanese people.

“While there’s very strong evidence right now that this was motivated by hate, we want to make sure we have put together all the evidence that confirms that theory in the case,” Spitzer said.

Police said Chou chained the doors of the church shut before opening fire, indicating that he planned to kill everyone inside. Investigators said Chou was carrying two guns and four homemade explosives similar to Molotov cocktails.

The assault was only stopped by the heroic efforts of Dr. John Cheng, who charged Chou and tackled him. Cheng’s actions allowed other members of the church to subdue Chou, though Cheng was killed in the effort.

Four men ages 66, 92, 82 and 75, and an 86-year-old woman were injured and expected to survive.

Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes called Cheng’s act was “a meeting of good versus evil” that probably saved the lives “of upwards of dozens of people.”