Outpour Of Community Support In Laguna Woods After OC Church Shooting

Mission Viejo CA

24 May, 2022

1:01 PM

Description

LAGUNA WOODS, CA — Over a week after a gunman opened fire in a Laguna Woods church, community members are showing their love and support to the victims of the shooting, including one south Orange County doctor who died while trying to disarm the gunman. Floral arrangements, photos and messages of hope fill the corner of El Toro Road and Calle Sonora, right in front of Geneva Presbyterian Church. Dawn Ford Courtesy Photo "It smells like you're in a florist wonderland," Orange County resident Dawn Ford told Patch. "This is absolutely heartwarming to see in person and pay your respects." RELATED: Churchgoers Hogtie Gunman Who Killed 1 And Wounded 5 In Laguna Woods The shooting occurred on May 15, when a gunman reportedly attended a lunch banquet held by a largely Taiwanese congregation in Laguna Woods. Dawn Ford Courtesy Photo Dr. John Cheng, 52, a Laguna Niguel resident and physician with South Bay Medical Group in Aliso Viejo, was killed when he tried to disarm the gunman by charging at him, authorities said. RELATED: OC Church Shooting Motivated By 'Hatred,' Explosives Found Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes called Cheng a hero for his bravery and said that Cheng's actions provided a window for the remaining parishioners to overwhelm the gunman. Dawn Ford Courtesy Photo "He touched the lives of many through his countless acts of service. Taking the time to know each and every patient, going above and beyond to find solutions and care for the whole person," A GoFundMe for Cheng's family reads. "When he was not caring for patients, he was at home with his wife and two children, serving at his church or teaching martial arts." The accused gunman was later identified by authorities as David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas. He faces a capital murder charge, as well as five counts of attempted murder and four counts of possession of an explosive device, the Orange County District Attorney's office said. RELATED: OC Church Shooting: Man Charged With Capital Murder, 9 Other Counts GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.