Family Of Accused Poway Synagogue Gunman Expresses Shock, Sadness

POWAY, CA – The family of John T. Earnest, 19, the suspect in the fatal weekend shooting at a Poway synagogue, today issued the following statement:

"We are shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible attack on the Chabad of Poway synagogue.

"But our sadness pales in comparison to the grief and anguish our son has caused for so many innocent people. He has killed and injured the faithful who were gathered in a sacred place on a sacred day. To our great shame, he is now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries.

"Our son's actions were informed by people we do not know, and ideas we do not hold. Like our other five children, he was raised in a family, a faith and a community that all rejected hate and taught that love must be the motive for everything we do.

"How our son was attracted to such darkness is a terrifying mystery to us, though we are confident that law enforcement will uncover many details of the path that he took to this evil and despicable act. To that end, our family is cooperating with investigators. We ask only that the media and the public respect our privacy and allow the criminal justice system to work.

"Our heavy hearts will forever go out to the victims and survivors. Our thanks go to the first responders who prevented even greater loss of life and the well-wishers who have supported us. And we pray for peace."

Suspect Earnest of San Diego is accused of opening fire Saturday as about 100 people worshipped at Poway's synagogue during the last day of Passover, killing 60-year-old Lori Gilbert Kaye of San Diego and wounding three others, including the Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, an 8-year-old girl and her 34-year-old uncle.

The shooting began shortly after 11:20 a.m., when the suspect burst into the Congregation Chabad synagogue and opened fire as services were underway. His gun apparently malfunctioned sometime during the attack, according to San Diego County Sheriff William Gore.

An off-duty Border Patrol agent working as a security guard was inside the temple when the shooting began, and he opened fire as the suspect fled, Gore said.

The agent did not strike the suspect, but did hit the suspect's car, authorities said.

Police said the suspect called 911 a short time later and said he had been involved in the shooting.

A San Diego police officer en route to the scene of the shooting spotted the suspect's vehicle and pulled him over nearby, San Diego Police Department Chief David Nisleit said. The suspect got out of his vehicle with his hands up, and was taken into custody without further incident, Nisleit said.

Earnest, who was reportedly on the Dean's List at Cal State San Marcos, apparently posted an "open letter" online shortly before the shooting, taking credit for both the Poway synagogue shooting and a suspected arson fire on March 24 at the Islamic Center of Escondido. The letter makes multiple anti-Semitic references and racist comments.

California State University San Marcos President Karen S. Haynes acknowledged that Earnest is a student there.

"We are dismayed and disheartened that the alleged shooter now in custody is a CSUSM student," Haynes said. "CSUSM is working collaboratively with the San Diego County Sheriff's Department to assist and gain more information.

"We extend our deepest condolences to all of the victims, their families, friends and our entire community. We share your grief," Haynes said. " This despicable act is entirely against our values as a university. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and reject the rhetoric of divisiveness that feeds hatred."

Gore said authorities were working to verify the authenticity of the letter. Investigators couldn't confirm whether the alleged shooter is connected to any white supremacist groups. But the sheriff said Earnest has no prior arrests. Gore said deputies served warrants for Earnest's home and car as well as the synagogue.

Earnest was being held without bail at San Diego Central Jail. He's scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday on one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

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--City News Service contributed to this report