MESA, Ariz. — The shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. as worshipers were celebrating the final day of Passover. About 100 people were inside the temple at the time, San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore said. One person was killed, three were injured, including the rabbi.
More than 300 miles away in Mesa, the Rabbi's son, Shalom Goldstein, was celebrating the last day of Passover with his in-laws and new wife.
"A community member walked in a state of shock." Rabbi Label Blotner, Shalom's father-in-law said. From there the community member would tell the rabbi there had been a shooting Congregation Chabad in Poway, California.
The Rabbi's son would learn soon after.
"I was frozen. I was just closing my eyes and thinking god help me." Shalom said.
"My heart skipped a beat and then it sunk." Rabbi Blotner said.
Information was hard to come by for the family. Saturday was the Sabbath, and as practicing Orthodox Jews, Salom and the rest of the in-law family cannot use electricity. Which meant for hours after learning of the shooting, Shalom and the rest of the family could not call, research or watch to find out more information.
"So many thoughts going through my head did someone kill my father," Shalom said.
"We began to recite psalms." Rabbi Blotner said.
He would learn via a voicemail from his mother that his father Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein lost a finger from the shooting and was otherwise OK. Rabbi Goldstein would continue to speak to his congregation even after being shot.
One person from the shooting, Lori Kaye, would lose their life Saturday.
Shalom said she was close to him and his family. She was at his wedding just a few months ago.
"She loves hearing me sing." Shalom said "She loves me, she loves to hear me sing, those were the last words I heard from her"
Police said one person was killed and three people were injured. Three victims were taken to Palomar Hospital where they were listed in stable condition Saturday night. The woman who died has been identified 60-year-old Lori Kaye of San Diego. She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. One victim was a 57-year-old Rabbi who was teaching when the shots went off. He was identified as Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein.
An off-duty Border Patrol agent was inside when the shooting started. The agent opened fire while the suspect fled outside. At that point, bullets missed the suspect but hit the man's car door. The shooter then took off down the street where he was eventually taken into custody, after calling 911 to say he was involved in a shooting. When SDPD caught up with him the suspect got out of his car with his hands up and was arrested.
California Governor, Gavin Newsom, issued a statement and Representative Juan Vargas also issued a statement on the Poway Synagogue shooting.
Gore said the San Diego County Sheriff's Department and the San Diego Police Department would conduct a joint investigation of the shooting. FBI San Diego Assistant Special Agent in Charge Omer Meisel said federal agents will work closely with local law enforcement on the investigation.
Gore issued an update Sunday saying that his department along with members of several other local, state and federal agencies worked through the night and interviewed approximately 100 people who were victims and witnesses to the shooting.
The update stated that authorities believe the gunman acted alone and "without outside support in carrying out the attack."
Chabad of Poway released the following statement on the support received from the community.
"The outpouring of love and support from our entire community, across the country and around the world in this very difficult time has brought us much comfort. A piece of us has been torn away with the loss of Lori. She came to synagogue to say Yizkor for her mother and instead we all said Yizkor for her. Please have Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein — Harav Yisroel ben Chana Priva — הרב ישראל בן חנה פריווא — the founding rabbi of Chabad of Poway; as well as Noyah bat Eden — נואה בת עדן — and Almog Yosef ben Ruti — אלמוג יוסף בו רותי — in your thoughts and prayers for their recovery.
Many have asked how they can contribute to help the victims and their families and assist Chabad of Poway get back on our feet, so we established a fund to do just that here: www.chabadpoway.com/standwithpoway.
May we have only joyous news to share in the future."
Rabbi Blotner said there will be a local Prayer service on Friday. We will update the time when we learn more information.
"I hope people will turn actions that are evil and turn them into positive actions of good. " Rabbi Blotner said.