Suspect’s family: ‘We pray for peace’

The family of the man accused in the synagogue shootings said in a statement released Monday that they were “shocked” by the attack on the Chabad of Poway – and their son “is now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries.”

“Our son’s actions were informed by people we do not know, and ideas we do not hold,” said the statement from the family of John Earnest,

19, who was arrested in the attack Saturday that left one person dead and three injured, including the synagogue’s rabbi.

“Like our other five children, he was raised in a family, a faith and a community that all rejected hate and taught that love must be the motive for everything we do. How our son was attracted to such darkness is a terrifying mystery to us, though we are confident that law enforcement will uncover many details of the path that he took to this evil and despicable act.

“Our heavy hearts will forever go out to the victims and survivors. Our thanks go to the first responders who prevented even greater loss of life and the well-wishers who have supported us. And we pray for peace.”