Family of Poway Synagogue Shooter Speaks Out

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SAN DIEGO — The family of 19-year-old John T. Earnest, the alleged gunman who carried out a shooting attack at a Poway, California synagogue, are speaking out for the first time.

Earnest killed one person and injured three others before being captured alive by authorities. He face one count of murder in the first degree and three counts of attempted murder in the first degree. Police say there is no indication that Earnest was part of an organized group. Investigators believe he acted alone and without outside support in carrying out the attack.

His family released the following statement, saying their son is now part of a “history of evil.” Read the statement below.

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.

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