Los Angeles, May 17 (RHC)-- In the U.S. state of California, officials in Orange County say Sunday’s mass shooting at a church in Laguna Woods was a “politically motivated hate crime” targeting the Taiwanese community.

Sheriff Donald Barnes: “It is believed the suspect involved was upset about political tensions between China and Taiwan.”

Police named the suspect: 68-year-old David Chou of Las Vegas, a Chinese immigrant and U.S. citizen. He reportedly placed Molotov cocktails around the church and chained exit doors shut before opening fire on a congregation gathered for a luncheon.  

Dr. John Cheng died in the assault, and four others were rushed to the hospital with gunshot wounds. On Monday, Orange County officials hailed Dr. Cheng as a hero who rushed the gunman, giving others a chance to subdue their attacker.