A suspect detained following a fatal shooting at a San Diego-area synagogue over the Sabbath has been identified, authorities have confirmed.
The 19-year-old man arrested in connection with the shooting attack on a Chabad synagogue in Poway, outside of San Diego, has identified as John T. Earnest, law enforcement officials told NBC News.
NBC 7 San Diego reported that Earnest released a manifesto shortly before Saturday’s deadly attack, referencing the recent massacres at a pair of New Zealand Islamic centers. Earnest claimed responsibility for an arson at an Escondido mosque a month ago. The mosque targeted in the arson is less than nine miles from the scene of Saturday’s attack.
In his manifesto, Earnest lauded the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which took place exactly six months to the day before Saturday’s attack.
One person has been confirmed dead in Saturday’s attack on the Chabad of Poway synagogue, with three others reported wounded.
Police say the gunman opened fire on worshippers with a semi-automatic AR-15-style rifle. The shooter later fled the scene and called 9-1-1, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said according to CNN.