California Lawmakers React to Poway Synagogue Shooting

A shooting occurred Saturday at Congregation Chabad in Poway, California, 20 miles north of San Diego, in which we now know one women was killed as she jumped in front of the rabbi, saving his life. The rabbi was injured along with three congregants. It has been reported that an off-duty U.S. Border Patrol agent attending services fired at the gunman as he fled, with a weapon given to him by another congregant who has a CCW.

Some media outlets such as CNN, reported that the attacker used an “AR-type assault weapon,” and denounced “gun violence.” Several of the presidential candidates also blamed gun violence.

Closer to home, California lawmakers from the San Diego region shared their thoughts via Twitter.

Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) said:

Another tragic shooting has hit home. No place in our community for hate. I believe San Diego is better than this. Our hearts are with the Chabad of Poway Synagogue families and our larger Jewish community. Real peace begins within and with each of us.

Sen. Brian Jones (R-Santee), whose district Poway is in:

I just heard about the tragedy in Poway, and I agree with Mayor @SteveVaus. I have full trust in Sheriff Gore and his team in this investigation. My family and I stand ready to serve the worshipers of the synagogue and the citizens of Poway. #PowayStrong

and

I called Sheriff Gore & Mayor Vaus this afternoon to offer any assistance I can as a State Senator for our constituents in #Poway. We can fully trust that our outstanding law enforcement professionals will provide us answers and help to deliver justice… I encourage all of my fellow Californians to join my family and me in asking our Lord to provide His comfort, healing, and peace to the victims of today’s tragic shooting and their families. #synagogueshooting #poway #caleg

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego):

Prayers for Poway. And, complete love and heartbreak for our Jewish communities. This has to stop.

Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego):

No words can explain the horror or anger I feel for this kind of violence coming to our own backyard. When people can’t go to places of worship and be safe, something is wrong. I’m grateful for law enforcement’s quick and expert response. Thank you @SDSheriff and @SanDiegoPD.

Presidential candidate, U.S. Senator Kamala Harris Tweeted:

Yet again a place of worship is the target of senseless gun violence and hate. Anti-Semitism is real in this country and we must not be silent – enough is enough. My heart aches for the Chabad of Poway synagogue and the Jewish community.

Before leaving for a rally in Wisconsin, President Donald Trump said, “My deepest sympathies go to the people that were affected, the families, their loved ones. By the, obviously, looks right now based on my last conversations, looks like a hate crime. We’ll get to the bottom of it.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said in response to President Trump’s comments: “Spare us your thoughts and prayers. It’s an alibi for inaction. You told the NRA yesterday you’d keep dangerous guns in the hands of dangerous people. We will take it from here with action.”

Democrat Presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, John Hickenlooper, Joe Biden, Amy Klobuchar, and Beto O’Rourke all called for increased gun control.

“Trump’s comments have drawn some derision for a level of hypocrisy, as he spoke one day prior at a conference for the National Rifle Association,” WFIN San Diego said.

The shooter, now identified as 19-year old John T. Earnest, left a manifesto in which he writes some Q&A:

“Are you a Trump supporter?” one question reads. “You mean that Zionist, Jew-loving, anti-White, traitorous cocksucker?”

“According to the Jerusalem Post, the manifesto’s author decries ‘international Jewry’ for ‘sealing the doom’ of the ‘European race’ and goes on to accuse Jews of a litany of wrongdoings, including exerting inordinate power over the economy and media. The manifesto also blames Jews for their so-called ‘role’ in the propagation of Marxism and pornography. Further, the author blames Jews for what he describes as the ‘persecution of Christians,’ including the killing of Jesus Christ and prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah,” Breitbart reported.

The President Tweeted later: “Thoughts and prayers to all of those affected by the shooting at the Synagogue in Poway, California. God bless you all. Suspect apprehended. Law enforcement did outstanding job. Thank you!”