SANTA ANA, Calif. — The man accused of opening fire on a Taiwanese church congregation in California was charged Tuesday with first-degree murder and five counts of attempted murder for what a prosecutor called an effort to “execute” as many people as possible.
Arraignment was expected Tuesday afternoon. Spitzer said he expected that public defenders will be appointed to represent Chou.was motivated by hatred of Taiwanese peopleIf convicted as charged and the jury finds the enhancements to be true, Chou would face a sentence of either life in prison without possibility of parole or the death penalty, Spitzer said.
He chained the doors and put super glue in the keyholes, authorities said. He had two 9 mm handguns — legally purchased years ago in Las Vegas — and three bags, containing four Molotov-cocktail-type incendiary devices and extra ammunition. He opened fire and in the ensuing chaos Dr. John Cheng, 52, tackled him, allowing other parishioners to subdue him and tie him up with extension cords, authorities said.
“Absolute hero,” Stanton tweeted. ‘He attacked the gunman and helped save so many in that church. I just wanted his name to be known. He will be missed.” Chou had ties to an organization opposed to Taiwan’s independence from China, according to Taiwanese media. Jerry Chen, a longtime parishioner, said congregants had gathered for the luncheon after a morning service to welcome their former pastor, Billy Chang, who had served the church for 20 years. Chang moved back to Taiwan two years ago and this was his first time back stateside, Chen said.
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